A quaint little shop stands in the field across the road from my cottage, where yesterday there was only corn. As I draw near and peak through the door, I feel a sense of magical wonder and anticipation. Stepping inside I can see that the rustic interior is overflowing with beautiful handmade items. Lovely quilts, paintings, drawings and photographs hang on the walls. Antique tables are covered with handmade jewelry and books. Other tables hold piles of fabric and colorful yarn. The air smells of fresh baked pies. I feel a deep sense of pleasure as I gaze around the room.
A beautiful woman with a warm smile greets me and I recognize that it is Eileen Hileman. I am so happy to finally meet this dear friend who made me one of my most cherished treasures, a beautiful cabin quilt that hangs in my cottage and makes me smile every day.
Eileen's beautiful cabin quilt |
Detail of one of Maria's beautiful creations that reminds me of my dream tree. |
Another detail of one of Maria's beautiful creations that reminds me of my dream tree. |
Not far from the magical little shop is an ancient old tree. It is tall and gnarled and Maria climbs a ladder that is leaning against it while Eileen stands beneath the tree waiting. There is a large hole in the old tree and Maria reaches deep inside and pulls out a dark sack. She climbs down the ladder and they both walk toward me as if they have something to show me. I can see that the dark sack is moving in Maria's hand as if there is something alive inside, and I am overcome with curiosity.
My Dream Tree that apparently exists for real at Bedlam Farm |
Eileen and Maria seem to know what is in the sack, and when Maria lays it down on a shelf in the little shop, it falls open to reveal several handfuls of rough cut coal. They look dark and dirty, like they have been buried in the ancient tree for many years. Strangely, they are all vibrating as if they are filled with some kind of energy. One of them suddenly breaks open and reveals a golden egg shaped orb inside. It is glowing and pulsing with life and for some reason this fills me with a deep sense of joy. I sense that each piece of coal in the bag is filled with a similar living golden orb.
I hug Maria and Eileen my Goddess Messengers and without words, thank them for their visit. I wake up smiling.