In the Spirit of Rohan: Horses & Bison in Focus

Black & White photo; two horses grazing behind fence

September has been the month I've focused on Rohan from The Lord of the Rings. One activity to match this theme might have been to ride horses, however, I think my horse riding days are over! ha. So instead I found myself inspired to photograph horses in appreciation for the noble steeds of the Rohirrim. These photos were captured as I drove around. Many times I had no choice but to pull over, get out of my car, and try to snap some quick shots from the roadside. One day, there happened to be a location that also allowed me a few fantastic photos of bison. Through my lens, I hope to share an appreciation and glimpse of the connection between these powerful creatures and the landscapes they roam.

I liked the sepia version of this one too!

Charmwoven Wrap-Up: A Year Curated by Lord of the Rings

Horse in green field - September Rohan activity from LOTR

This past year [Oct 2023-Sept 2024] has been a unique blend of milestones, learning, and discovery. I found myself drawn to curating my life with activities inspired by Lord of the Rings characters. [read the original post here] Through this process, I embraced more personal reflection, diligently engaged new experiences, and gathered some wisdom from quotes I came across. From moonlit nights to sun-kissed mornings at the lake, this journey has been as varied and meaningful as the characters who inspired it.

Highlights: This year, I turned 50 years old! Other highlights include many nights spent watching full moons, making a pie from pecans off my own tree, walking through my first corn maze, witnessing both partial and total solar eclipses as well as a partial lunar eclipse, and I even saw the Northern Lights.What a special year! Focusing on LOTR characters yielded other interesting activities like crafting handwritten letters to my loved ones, forest bathing and grounding, and learning some survival rope knots. I still have some things to complete this month, like leather stamping, doing a "dwarven" beer tasting, and taking horse photographs. [horse photos coming soon!]

This year has been a journey inward as much as it has been outward. Through reflection and embracing new challenges, I’ve come to better understand that having planned adventures brings me joy and that I must pursue them with intention. The people, moments, and even the wisdom from books have given me the most meaningful experiences. Having activities to push me out of the daily grind helped me shed insecurities and step into a more confident version of myself.

I found even more joy capturing the smallest of moments, like watching a quiet full moon or baking a pie from my own pecans. This year taught me be in the beauty of the present—whether it was walking through a corn maze or reflecting on how the grass felt as I was earthing. The simple things—my walk in the forest in Sulphur, OK, handwritten letters to my family, and learning survival knots are all moments that I've deeply enjoyed.

Within these 12 months, I used AI to help me correct a joke I've been telling wrong since I was four years old.

The real joke is:
"A cowboy says to a scientist, 'Howdy, partner!' The scientist replies, 'I'm not partner, I'm part nerd.' "

Here are the quotes I came across this year that made me pause and consider: 

"Which is more important," asked the Panda, "the journey or the destination?" "The company," said the tiny dragon.

"We don't learn from experience; we learn from reflecting on experience."

"Distraction is the death of art."

"Misery might love company, but so does joy—and joy throws much better parties."

"Hell is empty, and all the devils are here."

"Am I unhappy with the circumstances I'm in right now, or am I unhappy that I can't control how I think things 'should' be?"

"Don't hit at all, if it's honorably possible to avoid hitting, but never hit soft."

"There are worse things than death."

"If you are with someone who doesn't speak your language, then you'll spend a lifetime having to translate your soul."

"I'm not the whiskey you want; I'm the water you need."

"You still have time."

"Death doesn't end a relationship, only a life."

"I love blocking people. Like bruh, you're not gonna stress me out on my cellular device."

"When you are the star of your own life, who cares what the extras say."

Looking back on this year, it's clear that each experience—whether big or small; failure or success—added another layer of joy and I absolutely feel like I've squeezed the most out of these days. As this chapter closes in September, I look forward to the next year ahead with a lot of enthusiasm!

So coming in October I'll be introducing my new planner, it's name, and the book'ish focus!  

In case you are wondering, and following along with my adventure, I combined some of the last months of the original plan so I could start the new theme when I start my new planner in October. (see below)

Into the Wild: LOTR-inspired month with Strider (Aragorn)

 "Let us together rebuild this world that we may share in the days of peace." 

My garden roses in my library vase.

Hey fellow travelers! Here is a peek into my month of May which I attempted to fill with inspiration from "The Lord of the Rings,"  particularly focusing on the legendary figure, Aragorn, or as some may know him, Strider. I chose these themes below to represent Strider because to me they mirror his resourcefulness in nature.

Emergency Preparedness

I'm a strong advocate for contingency planning, so I immersed myself in a survival guide packed with practical insights titled "Survive and Thrive: How to Prepare for Any Disaster Without Ammo, Camo, or Eating Your Neighbor"  by Fulton & Devon. This was a well-rounded resource that helped me reassess my emergency preparations and make necessary adjustments. One unexpected challenge this month was my car's alternator failing, reminding me of the importance of having emergency savings and of knowing of a trusted mechanic in town. Additionally, Oklahoma's unpredictable weather and frequent tornadoes motivated me to learn a new skill. I dedicated time to learning knot tying techniques on YouTube. Among the knots I'm practicing is the bowline knot which has emerged as a reliable favorite, perfect for securing items or creating a loop that won't slip under pressure. While knot tying may not be commonly taught to women, I recognize its value in various situations, from emergencies to outdoor activities with friends or kids, and even home organization tasks. I'm eager to expand my knot tying skills with guidance from my Papa, an experienced sailor who's well-versed in this essential skill!

Fresh & Herbal

My next goal for May was motivated by Strider's skill of using natural remedies. I researched the idea of "food as medicine," with a specific focus on fresh fruits and herbs. I dedicated time to juicing oranges and sampling different teas for relaxation. I also researched common herbs to add to my food more often like ginger, garlic, and cinnamon. Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries became more prominent in my diet this month as well since they have numerous health benefits. These berries are known for boosting heart health, regulating blood sugar levels, and alleviating inflammation.

In Conclusion

May has had its ups and downs, but I choose to remember it as a month of growth as I embraced some skills of a ranger. Next month, I'm shifting my focus to Faramir. He's portrayed as a thoughtful and noble character. Stay tuned, as I plan to visit a labyrinth in June!

Below are some cute animal pictures...just because! 

Jax sunning himself in the library window.

Gunner, dutch shepherd, giving a happy smile one morning.

Bubby having no cares as he relaxes in my lap.

All three Ragamese cats enjoying fresh air from a window and bird watching

 

 

April LOTR Month - Treebeard/Ents

April was my Treebeard month, and let me tell you, it was a journey worth taking! Initially uncertain about how it would unfold, I found myself pleasantly surprised by the outcome. I dedicated a blissful day to wandering through the forest, immersing myself in nature's embrace and allowing time to simply unfold at its own pace.

One of the highlights of the month was experiencing the total solar eclipse, a breathtaking spectacle that left me in awe of the universe's wonders. And to top it off, our beloved rescue kittens celebrated their first year of life, a milestone marking their growth and journey since joining our family.

Now, for a bit of context on the goals of the month. Since Treebeard and the Ents from Middle-earth are guardians of trees and forests, I let them serve as my inspiration. They also carry a slow and contemplative approach to life, mirroring the rhythms of nature itself. So, to embody the contemplative spirit of the Ents, this month I incorporated the following: 

1. Nature Immersion: I dedicated ample time to immerse myself in nature, soaking in the serenity of the forest in Chickasaw National Recreation area. There I embraced the quiet and listened to the rhythm of the environment, allowing myself to observe, listen, and reflect deeply, just as the Ents do.

2. Mindful Movement: I slowed down physically in simple tasks like walking and stretching to mundane chores like washing dishes and picking up the house. I tuned into the sensations of my body, the rhythm of my breath, and the present moment, fostering a sense of calm and presence.

3. Tech-Free Retreats: I took short breaks to disconnect from technology and reconnect with the world around me. Sometime gazing out the window, strolling outdoors, or simply sitting for a moment and closing my eyes, I embraced moments of stillness and inner reflection. 

   In essence, my Treebeard month was a testament to the power of slowing down, immersing myself in nature, and embracing the beauty of special moments. It left me feeling deeply grounded and connected to the world around me.

   

   Me enjoying a small field of bluebonnets
   

    Eclipse short video here: April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse 

   

   My photo of the total solar eclipse
   

   

   4 week old kittens - 1st night home
   

   

   Kittens - celebrating their 1st birthday!
   

   

   cozy breakfast
   

   

   Honey & I right before the eclipse

   
    

Nature Dances with Wind: Visiting Sulphur, Oklahoma

Me standing with my back to the camera, looking upstream, pulling my hair up into a bun

In the heart of Sulphur, Oklahoma, lies a sanctuary where I find that nature dances with wind and waters sing a soothing song. One goal for my April LOTR month, which is focused on Treebeard, the Ent, was to spend a day in a forest. Last weekend I found myself immersed in the beauty around Veterans Lake and then enjoyed the enchanting calm of Pebbles Falls located in the Chickasaw National Recreation Reserve. These moments below offered a sanctuary for my spirit and a much-desired refuge from everyday chaos.

I ventured over first to Veterans Lake and made the scenic drive up to the water’s edge. I spent some time just watching a duck plunge below for food. It would pop up yards from where it descended, and I enjoyed trying to guess where it would emerge. My hour spent there was calming, and I especially enjoyed the deep blue waves rushing across the lake. Next, I drove to the reserve and found a place that only allowed one car to park. Perfect! Bird songs, mostly of Tufted Titmice, filled the air and I wandered down the bank into the middle of the stream so I could stand and be completely surrounded by the cool forest and waterfall sounds. Looking downstream, I suddenly noticed two Yellow-crowned Night-Herons waiting patiently for a morsel to float their way. The moment was beautiful!

As I drove home, I traveled with a lighter heart and rejuvenated spirit. The last stop on my journey this weekend was to pull over and take some pictures with bluebonnets which are a rare sight in Oklahoma. With each click of my camera this weekend, I immortalized the resilience and grace of nature -- honestly it left an indelible mark on my soul. So much so that my husband joined me the very next day and we drove up there again to visit the same places! I love him so. Below are a few photos. Click this link if you want to take 1 minute to sit with me while we listen to a stream and the wind dance.

Picture of two herons standing still on fallen branches in the middle of a stream

Picture of me sitting in the back of my vehicle listening to birds sing

Me standing with my back to the camera in the middle of the waterfall looking up stream

Waterfall - pic. 1

Waterfall - pic 2

Me standing, back to camera, in the middle of a stream with my arms raised to the side enjoying the sunshine

 

Me in front of a city fountain, wearing sunglasses

Lake's green shoreline with deep blue water and light blue sky

Me standing in front of a tree blooming with white flowers

White flowers in a tree

Bluebonnets in a field surrounded by green grass with a bee sipping from one of the flowers

March - Bilbo Baggins' Month

This month I celebrated my 50th trip around the sun! Since my year is focused on a different character each month from the Lord of the Rings, I decided that this would be the perfect month for me to focus on celebrating my own milestone birthday just as Bilbo Baggins celebrated his 111th birthday in the story.

I didn't plan a huge party, that's not my style, but after gathering a lot of ideas from others I decided on a small trip with my husband and parents. We rented an AirBnB and headed off to a romantic candlelight concert with the Listeso String Quartet playing a tribute to the rock band, Queen! [photos below] 

Lifestyle: For this LOTR month, I wanted to focus on celebrating simple joys and some cozy lifestyle practices of hobbits. How? Well, by taking part in "Elevenses" of course! It's a cherished tradition among hobbits to enjoy a mid-morning snack, typically consisting of tea and perhaps some biscuits, cakes, or other treats. This cozy ritual allowed them to take a break from their daily activities and indulge in a moment of relaxation and refreshment. So Monday-Friday, I set an alarm for Elevenses and took a tea break. This worked out perfect for me because I'm terrible at taking work breaks and they are so good for your mind and body. 

Nature: Hobbits are depicted as having a strong connection to the land and a deep appreciation for agriculture and gardening. Bilbo Baggins was no exception since he was known for being fond of gardening and growing things. In light of this, I decided to plant some perennial Columbines in our yard on the north side. Check them out, here. That side of the house had been very bare but now it's filled with early bird purple-yellow, red-yellow, and blue-white variety. They looked wonderful against our bungalow's blue hardy board. I planted a rose bush and daffodils last year -- and both flourished so I'm hopeful these columbines will grow well and bloom year after year.

Also, I watched The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies movie, celebrated Tolkien's Reading Day on March 25th, and began reading The Hobbit book for the 1st time. I have a beautiful imitation leather set so I'm excited to read them!

As I bid farewell to March, I'm grateful for the simple joys and cozy traditions inspired by my studies of Bilbo Baggins and hobbits. From a serene candlelight concert with loved ones, refreshing Elevenses tea breaks and getting some beautiful flowers in the soil, this month has reminded me of the importance of treasuring life's small pleasures.