Poetic Pause. Presence. Purpose.Catnip of Life is evolving into something deeper, more vibrant—an awakening of soulful reflections, bursts of excitement, and playful poetry woven into nature’s embrace.
Stay tuned for upcoming changes and new content. Until then, feel free to explore what’s here among nearly 1000 posts. Let your day begin or end, maybe both, with a dose of catnip, gathering insights along the way into the Just ME! journey.
Catnip of Life – A Poetic Pause in a Fast-Paced World
Reflections run deep—like the sunset mirrored on water, revealing both light and shadow. Sometimes, the most vivid truths surface when we dare to look within.
Catnip of Life – Where every reflection holds a lesson.
I “met” Micki Peluso in 2012 through the authorship of her book And the Whippoorwill Sang. A tragic, poignant story of life and loss.
Micki and I corresponded quite regularly for years and then, gradually communicated less and less. It wasn’t until recently when I Googled her name in the hopes of reconnecting that I learned of the passing of both Mallie Faye (Micki ) Peluso (2021) and her husband Ormond “Butch” Peluso (2022).
On October 30, 2014, I posted The Witching Hours, a story of the origins of Halloween from olden times up to the present on catnipoflife’s sister site, Awakenings. This will provide you with insight into Micki’s prolific writing. Today, I located the Radio Interview: Author Micki Peluso, “And the Whippoorwill Sang” Book with Penelope Silvers. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get audio but hopefully you will be successful. You will find information about the author, Micki Peluso and links to Micki’s blog and books.
According to her LinkedIn profile, “I began writing after a personal tragedy, as a catharsis for my grief. This lead to a first time out publication in Victimology: An International Magazine and a 30 year career in Journalism. I’ve freelanced and been staff writer for one major newspaper and written for two more. I have published short fiction and non-fiction, as well as slice of life stories in collegiate and other magazines and in e-zine editions. My first book was published in 2008; a funny family memoir of love, loss and survival, called, . . .AND THE WHIPPOORWILL SANG. I am presently working on a collection of short fiction, slice of life stories and essays, in a book called, Don’t Pluck the Duck, to be released 12/2014.”
I encourage all who read this post to check out the books and writings of Micki Peluso, especially And the Whippoorwill Sang. Descriptive words I captured from Lori’s Song genuinely describe Micki’s book, “Light a fire in the fireplace or, if you live in a warm climate, go out on your deck with Micki’s book and be prepared to laugh so hard you cry and cry so hard it hurts.”
May Micki and Butch both continue to rest in peace as they were reunited with their daughter, Noelle, at the gates of Heaven.
On the Air: Today I was honored to be a guest on Love Light with Dr. Jean Farish on Voice America! Thank you, Dr. Farish, for this wonderful opportunity to reach a worldwide audience with information and documentation in regards to how our society has shifted from awe-inspiring nature to suffering a dangerous deficit.
NOTE: Click the image or the link below to access the audio on Love Light. It will open over this page, so use the back arrow to return to Catnip of Life.
On the show today, Dr. Farish made the connection of nature to the changes, ebbs and flows, in life. This at once brought to my mind the poem Ebbs & Flows from the Catnip of Life.
Within life are journeys, challenges, memories… and obstacles. Each involves inspiration captured from the ebbs and flows of life. Moods change like the ocean’s tide, whispering of the past within echoes of each crashing wave.
Ebbs & Flows
*****
Ebbs & flows of the sea respond to the sun and moon Whispering of the past to crashing waves’ tireless tune
Hearts & souls of the sea in sepulchers of the deep Lie fearless of pounding sounds obdurate rocks unleash
Bells & horns of the sea resonate across the waves Resounding things forgotten to shun watery graves
Gulls & dolphins of the sea frolic beneath afternoon sun Plunge-diving into crashing surf as baitfish stay on the run
Starfish & sea urchins of the sea with exotic spiny skin Lie dormant at low tide awaiting collection to begin
Shells & smells of the searesound of sweet, salty air Voicing bold, vibrant remembrance way beyond compare
Moonbeams & winds of the sea beckon songs waves compose Thoughts harken to the night pondering life’s ebbs and flows
Highs & lows of life mimic ebbs and flows of the sea Ups and downs, ins and outs, rhythmic changes meant to be
“Action and reaction, ebb and flow, trial and error, change – this is the rhythm of living. Out of our over-confidence, fear; out of our fear, clearer vision, fresh hope. And out of hope, progress.” — Bruce Barton (American Congressman, 1886–1967)
Where would we be, and what would we face without good health and vitality? To climb any ladder, mentally or physically, takes dedication and perseverance, but all too often overlooked is maintaining a healthy body and mind. Within the busyness and business of everyday life, we become so wound up, we forget to wind down . . . in a healthy way.
END OF DAY
A nighttime stroll Lessens the toll Of daily strife
Join me and enjoy the interconnectedness between nature and human behavior, especially as it relates to health and vitality. Your vision into the natural world through reading, writing, observing, and listening relies on an appreciation for nature’s potential to enhance well-being and enrich daily life.
INSPIRATION
A verse a day Keeps stress at bay A joy of life
Connecting or perhaps re-connecting with nature promotes not just physical health but also mental and emotional well-being. In fact, each day without that connection is like a missed opportunity for renewal—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
SURPRISE!
Believe what’s found Is always around Waiting just for you
Find your happy place. . . a place where there is always excitement on one hand, tranquility on the other. Let the natural world become your go-to place for contentment. Open a window, look outside; open the door, step outside! Not only expect the unexpected, but learn to respect the unexpected!
HAPPINESS!
A happy face My happy space Outdoorsy’s truth!
Human behavior intertwines with the natural world. The American Psychological Association calls this being nurtured by nature. It is time to embrace this relationship, incorporating nature into daily life to cultivate vitality and enhance overall quality of life.
CONNECT!
YOUR CALL TO ACTION:Prioritize your health and well-being by reconnecting with the beauty and vitality of nature. The solution is simple—and it comes with a very inexpensive price tag!
Grateful and honored to have been selected as a speaker for the upcoming Global Superpower Conference 2024! This event will be held Friday March 29th from 5pm-7:30pm EST. I will be speaking on Embracing Nature’s Generosity: Being Nurtured by Nature.
Join myself along with additional dynamic speakers as we raise awareness and educate others about disabilities. My daughter, Nicole Reina, is a keynote speaker and Nicole will speak on Embracing Resilience. In Nicole’s words, “a topic dear to my heart, as I never would have made it this far had I let life tear me down.”
It is indeed an honor to be able to share the stage with my daughter toward inspiring others to greatness.
My! My! My! You never know what memory is going to cross your path on any given day. Nor, the manner in which you will receive it.
I had just completed a Zoom meeting. In the chat box was a link to click for the purpose of providing feedback on the presenter. To my surprise, the link directed me to Google docs where I had to request permission to open the file. Very strange, indeed! Of all the meetings similar to this one, nothing of this nature had previously occurred.
The document opened and to my surprise were pictures on this day, February 08, 1986! The two attached photos are, of course, the most memorable ones of that day. I would be 40 in September of that year and competing in the Mrs. Florida pageant. What!?. The average age is 23.
Note: The first picture was taken at Cogburn’s clothing as I was trying on clothes for the pageant.
I placed in the Top 10 and would have gone further but got stumped on the question. Let me explain. From an early age up to that time and even later in my life, I was very uneasy speaking in public, especially in front of an audience. I did not like my voice and was often times laughed at because of the way I pronounced certain words. My home state is Georgia and I am a true Southern girl. You know, one of the G.R.I.T.S. If you aren’t familiar with that acronym. G.R.I.T.S. = Girls Raised in The South.
Today, I have overcome that obstacle beginning with doing Catnip Fireside Chatter, FB lives, and have appeared on numerous podcasts. Now, I have events about to blossom and bloom, which I never thought possible in my life. An opportunity of a lifetime to spread the Catnip of joy, love, healing, and happiness in nature. . . the fertile ground for creativity and imagination created by the hands of God.
What may actually come out of all of this is still fully unknown. One step at a time. Who do I thank for what’s coming next? There is only one answer to that question:
My Lord and Savior who sends me messages to pay attention to my thoughts. As I increase the value of my own life, I am increasing the value of others! What about you? Do you believe in angels? Are you curious about your thoughts?
The “catnip of life” IS Mother Nature! Like the effects of catnip on the cat, nature provides us excitement on one hand, tranquility on the other.
Nature is fertile ground for creativity and imagination. Often the simplest views of nature spark the most profound thoughts of thankfulness and gratitude.
This image reminds me of Robert Frost and his reference to the road less traveled. Even though this presents a single road vs one that forks affording us a choice, this too opens the door to choice.
While it appears quite simple in its view, it is powerful in meaning. It invites you to travel along the road of simplicity, leaving the busyness behind.
Would you travel this road or seek a more profound view?
Christmas is the season of giving and gifting! Each of us gathers inspiration from different facets of life. For me, it is nature and my way of giving is providing inspiration through poetic words and vision. I invite you to feel the calmness in the presence of a rainy day. Experience glory amidst somber gray skies. Feel the sunlight penetrating early morning mist. Praise God for seasons of refreshing.
In the poetic words of the Catnipof Life, you explore the natural world through inspiration and imagery. See it! Hear it! Feel it! Read as a bedtime story to calm the mind or a wake-up call to an invigorating day! Visions are implanted in the corridors of your mind to be revisited any hour of the day or night. Then, your mission is to step outside into nature and enter the world of discovery.
Give the gift of magical wonder where words are read line-by-line and the end is the beginning!
Visit https://www.catnipoflife.info to learn about the Catnip of Life and all of Sharla’s books. Great Christmas gifts, even for yourself! The gift that keeps on giving inspiration to the giver and/or receiver! For quick purchase, Catnip of Life is available on Amazon.
There is an essence of energy in all life. Within the interconnectedness of all living things is a vital force or energy that permeates the natural world. If we turn the calendar back to examine indigenous cultures and ancient times, the belief existed that a universal life force or energy flows through all living beings and natural elements.
Nature is often considered a profound source of this life energy. The idea is that spending time in natural settings, such as forests, mountains, or near bodies of water, allows individuals to absorb and resonate with this vital force. There is a parallel to this idea within the Japanese culture with the practice of “forest bathing”, which is strongly linked to lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and stress hormones. This shines a bright light on nature as being therapeutic and rejuvenating.
Nurture your spirit with time in the natural world. Nature is often depicted as being a calming place, building a sense of resilience, and providing a sense of hope. It is also a place of mystery, intrigue, and enchantment. Even on mornings that begin with dense fog and misty rain, there is a sense of mysticism and magic.
Step outside on a foggy morning and you are standing in a low cloud settled in over the earth. The dense mist cloaks everything in sight with tiny water droplets. As ghostly apparitions appear, imagination follows. Dappled sunlight leaves you with a sense of mysticism.
Images appear subdued Amidst the dense, pesky fog Fondly kissed by stratus clouds Disturbed by a croaking frog
Figures in the far distance Emit varying shadowy hues A tone so melancholy Reminiscent of ol’ country blues
Uppermost mountain peaks Obscured by the thick fog’s bed Converge with sky’s splendor Striking grey patterns overhead
Merely a touch of fog Steamy haze in view Evokes mystical thoughts Chilling through ’n’ through
Silhouettes appear Amid nature’s transformation| Misty morning fog Veils objects of fascination|
From the sky to the terrain Scattering rays of sunlight drift Semi-transparent colors emerge As the fog doth slowly lift
“The fog comes on little cat feet. It sits looking over harbor and city on silent haunches and then moves on.”
— Carl Sandburg (U.S. biographer, poet, 1878–1967)
As the crisp air gradually approaches winter’s chill, let’s reflect on the last remnants of fall that surround us. Nature, adorned in its warm hues, has already begun its graceful farewell to the vibrant season we’ve cherished. The trees, once ablaze with the fiery colors of autumn, stand almost barren with their leaves carpeting the ground as nature’s welcome mats.
I encourage you to step outside and immerse yourself in this transitional phase. This could be as close as out your front or back door. Witness the leaves dancing in the gentle breeze, feel the cool air on your face, and let the rustle of the remaining foliage be a soothing soundtrack to your day.
Observe. Listen.
Perhaps, take a moment to walk through a park or nearby woods and capture the rustle of leaves beneath your feet, inhale the earthy fragrance lingering in the air.
Embrace. Breathe.
It’s a poignant reminder that change is an inevitable part of life, and each season, like chapters in a book, has its own unique story to tell.
Savor nature’s abundant beauty.
Let’s capture this fleeting moment together through time and space, whether a leisurely stroll, a cozy cup of tea by the window, or simply pausing to admire the sunset’s warm glow. As we transition into the coming winter season, let’s carry the essence of fall with us—the memories of pumpkin-spiced moments, the sound of leaves crunching beneath our steps, and the feeling of warmth in our hearts that autumn always brings.
Wishing you a cozy and reflective season as we soon prepare to voice our gentle goodbyes to fall.
If you ask me about autumn, it is leaves dancing across the ground—Elements of a former life wherever nature’s spirit abounds.
catnipoflife 