Just found this huge, perfect white feather on my walk.

I'll tell you all a secret That I feel in my bones: I think my Shadow's moving, And acting on its own. I see it shifting sometimes Just outside my view, But when I turn to see it, It's still, and never moves. It follows me around, Not like a shadow should; As if it's keeping step with me - I'd catch it if I could. Sometimes, I swear it's smiling— Though shadows cannot smile. Sometimes, it'll stop somewhere, And linger for a while. I've tried to make it mimic me, But it refused to play. I raise my arms, it folds its own; I turn, it looks away. I stomp my feet; it skips along. I wave; it bows its head. I stand completely still - It takes another step instead. I asked it once, quite quietly, "Just what are you about?" It seemed to shrug its shoulders, Then it simply faded out. But when I started walking, There it was again, A little farther off than me, Around the corner then. I've tried to catch it many times, But shadows are too quick. They slip beneath the furniture And hide behind a brick. And lately I've begun to think It does this just for fun. It waits until I'm looking close, Then darts away and runs. I'm not afraid, exactly. It's simply rather odd To see a shaded form Wear its own facade. I wonder if it knows me, Or if it thinks I'm strange. I wonder if it wonders why I never seem to change. Yesterday, at sunset, The whole world turned to gold - My Shadow stepped in front of me, Did something rather bold. It turned around and faced me - At least, that's how it seemed. Then threw its arms out wide and bowed, Like something I had dreamed. I laughed, and it laughed with me, Though shadows cannot laugh. And when I started walking home, It followed down my path. Perhaps I've got a Shadow That's more alive than most; Maybe it's more vivacious Than I am as the host. If it's found vigor of its own, I suppose that's quite alright. Perhaps I'll follow it tomorrow, See where it goes at night. So now, I let it wander, And give it room to roam. For if my Shadow's found a life,

The Things That Stay They come when words no longer bear The weight they've carried far. With careful hands they leave me things More precious than they are. Some linger only for a breath, Some stay till fades the light. I never ask the reason why; I simply hold them right. I wear my finest coat of green When spring returns once more, And bid the birds to fill the air Where silence stood before. For if a heart should visit me, Made fragile by its ache, The least that I can offer it Is beauty for its sake. The seasons know the work I keep. The rain is gentle here. Together we protect the gifts That others once held dear. Though some see only sorrow here, And shadows on the way, I know I've been entrusted With all the things that stay. So if you walk my quiet paths, And pause beside a stone, You'll find I have been keeping watch— Though never for my own. Read all the names I've promised safe. Sit gently if you stay; I know that love grows deepest roots When laid beneath the clay.

Greetings and Blessings, my friends! 🤗 I thought it might be fun to offer a little WonderWander engagement challenge—an invitation to share a piece of yourself with the community. Below, you'll find three different prompts. Choose the one that speaks to you most (or answer more than one if inspiration strikes!). This isn't about finding the "right" answer; it's simply an opportunity to connect, reflect, and get to know one another through the many ways we experience and make meaning of life. As a small thank you for participating, I'll be offering a complimentary one-on-one reading to one member of the group. You're welcome to answer more than one prompt if you like, but each member will receive only one entry into the final drawing. Responses should engage meaningfully with the prompt you've chosen. Follow the thread that feels most genuine, interesting, or alive for you. Option 1: "The Museum of Ordinary Magic" If your current season of life had an exhibit in a museum, what object would represent it, and why? Option 2: "The Belief You Outgrew" What's something you once believed about life, yourself, spirituality, healing, success, love, happiness—or anything else—that you no longer believe? What changed? Option 3: "Curiosity Trial" You may ask one question of the universe and receive a completely truthful answer. What do you ask, and why? A little note: Everyone who participates in good faith and engages with the spirit of the prompt will have their name entered into a random drawing, which I will reveal on the next Community Connect live meet and greet on June 27th at 3pm central time. This isn't about having the "best" answer. WonderWander isn't a competition for wisdom. It's simply an invitation to show up, join the conversation, and share whatever this moment calls forth in you.