Witchy Women

I've Set Sail......And Apparently I'm A Witch Now 

One of the best things I've ever done for myself was set sail on my own. (Aka: divorce.)

Yes, I realize that sounds counterintuitive. I used to think the same thing. Divorce? Hard. Complicated. Sad. And honestly, it's even a hard word to spell.

People tend to think divorce happens to other people. And generally speaking, society doesn't exactly throw you a parade when it happens. Sometimes your own tribe discourages it, and there's still this underlying notion that divorcees are somehow broken, unwanted, or in need of being handled with care. Like we're slightly damaged goods at a garage sale.

But at some point, I had to ask myself a very important question:

Cyndi... are you doing okay?

And as it turns out, the answer Yes could not hold all the layers to this question. 

It was a whole lot more complicated than that.

Because what I eventually found on the other side was autonomy.

Freedom.

Peace.

And a version of myself I hadn't quite met yet.

It has been one of the best decisions I've ever made for myself, even though I broke my own heart in the process. Was it hard? Absolutely. But sometimes pushing the big, scary HARD button is exactly what needs to happen.

Oh, and apparently, it's also witchy.

You know, I've decided I'm probably a witch at heart. Which is especially fitting given that it's Halloween. History has spent a fair amount of time telling us witches were bad. I'm beginning to think they were simply women who weren't particularly interested in being told what to do. And honestly? Relatable.

I digress.

It's taken me a couple of years to get here. After leaving a 35-year relationship, there was plenty of grief, sadness, uncertainty, and the occasional what-in-the-actual-heck-have-I-done moment.

But after sitting with those feelings, working through them (most of them, anyway), and allowing myself to grow into a different version of life, I'd like to report back.

Where was I?

Oh yes. I'm a self-proclaimed witch now.

Witch /wiCH/ noun: Any woman who has reclaimed the intuitive, mystical, and embodied ways of her knowing — the very things our culture has often tried to shame, silence, or suppress.

And I'm here for it.

Let's start with a book: Season of the Witch, by Ellen Vora. Have you read it?

It's an invitation to reconnect with the parts of ourselves we've been taught to ignore, and to move beyond the good girl we've been conditioned to be.

And I think this is especially important right now.

Women need to stand up for women. We need to raise our girls to know they don't have to shrink, soften, quiet themselves, or make themselves small to be accepted or safe.

We need to teach them that their voices matter. Their intuition matters. Their boundaries matter. And they don't need permission to take up space.

Books like this help us find our way back to those truths. They help us reshape the inheritances passed down through generations, so that what we leave behind for the women who come after us is something different. Something stronger. Something freer.

I've had to relearn some of this myself because, apparently, my inner child didn't receive that particular instruction manual when she was growing up.

But here's what I've learned: it's never too late to re-parent that little girl. It's never too late to give yourself the encouragement, reassurance, and permission you might not have received along the way.

Books have been one of my greatest gifts in learning a new way of being. And yes, I primarily listen to them on audio, especially since I have a rather lengthy commute to work. Nothing like a little personal development on I30!

Some of the authors who've helped me along the way include Ellen Vora, Vienna Pharaon, Mel Robbins (loved The Let Them Theory), Brené Brown (you know she's my favorite!), Dr. Nicole LePera, and many others.

These women have taught me so much about doing the work. The uncomfortable work. The sometimes-annoying work. The work that makes you realize you've been doing the same thing for 30 years and perhaps it's time to try something different.

Being on my own presented me with two paths:

1. Reinvent my life with a new partner, while potentially carrying the same old patterns and cycles into a new relationship.
2. Work on growing, healing, and figuring out who I am before deciding what I want in a partner — or whether I even want one again.

I knew Option #1 wasn't for me. No judgment whatsoever to those who choose that path. It works beautifully for some people.

But I knew I needed Option #2.

Because I couldn't build a new life around someone else before figuring out how to build one around myself.

And so, that's what I did.

Turns out, I've worked pretty hard to find me. And it has been worth every bit of it.

I've learned that I'm strong. That I'm hyper-independent (which, depending on who you ask, is both a superpower and a slight character flaw). That I'm worthy of love, deserving of good things, and allowed to want a life that feels good to me.

I knew these things intellectually. But knowing something and actually living as though you believe it are two very different things.

And somewhere along the way, I finally started doing the latter.

Here I am.

Feeling like I've finally found me.

Over the last couple of years, I've been able to feel the progress. Healing isn't exactly a straight line. More like a winding country road with a few potholes, unexpected detours, and the occasional questionable GPS instruction.

But recently, something shifted.

I turned a corner that felt different. Almost like crossing a finish line. Not because I'm suddenly done growing (let's not get carried away), but because something finally clicked.

I understand myself in a way I didn't before. I feel more at home in my own skin. And I've made a commitment to myself:

I will never betray myself again.

I've made my way back home to me.

And honestly? It's a pretty wonderful place to be.

Me

Witchy Me

Me. Witchy Me. 💜

So that's where I am these days.

Enjoying a life where I get to be me. A little witchy. A little salty. A little independent (okay, maybe a LOT independent). And increasingly comfortable with the fact that I don't need to explain myself to everyone.

I'm learning to trust my own instincts, enjoy my own company, and appreciate the life I've created.

And what has witchy me been up to lately?

Well, fostering, weddings, birthdays, farm shenanigans, stray dogs who apparently believe in the concept of squatter's rights, and a whole lot of animal-related activity.

You know. The usual.

Let's get into it.

Brooks Turned 6!

What in the tarnation? Someone please explain how this happened.

Birthday boy 💙

Happy Birthday, Brooks!!

Brooks choose to have his birthday party at Sky Zone, which is a huge trampoline park - and everyone had a blast!!! So many friends and family came out to celebrate Brooks, and it was great to see everyone there.

SO much fun (and love!) with family and friends

Miss Fearless

This all went down after a morning of soccer, then the big party - and there wasn't anyone not-tired after we celebrated Brooks. What a joyous day 🎂

I can't quit 

Fostering. 

Pinky and The Brain

I was lucky enough to be able to foster 2 lil 'medical' fosters who are the cutest (and scared) vision-impaired kittens. They would need ointment placed in their eyes, along with oral supplements to assist with their malnutrition.

My mission?  Socialize them, show them that humans aren't so bad, help them gain weight, watch for vision improvements or impairments, and love them. Just love them up. Check, check and check. My associates, Brooks and Olive, are always great helpers to get these boxes checked, as they love these foster kitties so much, hold them, and give the kittens no choice but to be loved. 

I'm happy to report that these 2 little kittens did not lose their mittens but instead, met all the requirements to keep their eyes, be altered (spay and neutered) and placed for adoption. And it was an absolute pleasure being part of their journey, to assist in setting them up for success. Their furever home is just around the corner now.

Next up....

Meet foster-sweetie Candy Corn.

A glimpse into the life of a foster kitty

You will be loved, no exceptions

Even Sugar participates in the foster program.
Participation is not the same as enthusiasm.

Candy Corn came to me as a 'behavioral' foster meaning she needs to be taken from feral/sorta-feral.....to adoptable. Mission accepted. 

I got Brooks and Olive on the case - and in no time at all - Candy Corn was loving any and all people - and also adored The Littles (and Pixie) as well. 

Candy Corn just needed close human contact to realize we weren't going to hurt her, and it didn't take long. She's a quick and eager learner. Candy Corn decided that all people were her people, that all animals were her friends, and oddly, that all food (even human food) was her food. She is strong-willed and will do well in life with a family who has children and pets who don't mind being constantly meow'd at. She is a team player, and has surpassed her performance plan by leaps and bounds. I imagine Candy Corn will be adopted quickly due to her desire to be loved. Her adamant (and non-stop) meows will assure she is not passed up. 

And that's the thing with fostering. Yes, it's hard to return your fosters, yet the reason you have them is to help them become adoptable. People love friendly kittens. And my crew of Brooks and Olive are excellent at showing kittens that love is good - and people are good. They actually speed up the process - and they too, enjoy the journey of having foster kittens in my home. It's certainly a win-win all around. 

Another stray, you say?

It's true. Look who showed up at 10 pm on a dark, starry night - and trust me - my dogs were barking like all the stars had fallen from the sky. You know me, I jumped out of bed to see what was the matter. Only to find new visitor had just randomly shown up in the dark of night  - and it wasn't a possum. 

And the next day, he be like.....I live here now. Okay, then. Welcome.

He arrived with a blue collar and nothing else

Yo handsome tho

This gorgeous dog must have a home, right?! 

So jiggity jig up to the local shelter to have him checked for a chip. And if so, his owners can be called.

He actually enjoyed the car ride

Unfortunately, he did not have a chip to help identify his owners. And we were unsuccessful in locating anyone who knew whose he was or if he has a home - so here we are. With a blood hound. 

I'd say, 'Make yourself at home.'
But you did.

And in a turn of events, Ryan decided he'd like to keep this new stray for them. And sure enough, a fence was built and a name was given - Gus - and Gus lives with Ryan, Lauren and her fam now. 

Bestest boy, Gus

Welcome to the farm, Gus! Well, technically, you've been promoted to house dog. Congrats on your career advancement. 💚

Road Trippin'

I'm often asked when or better yet - how - I go on vacation. Who feeds the animals? Who maintains the things around here? 

My answer is always the same. I AM on vacation when I'm home. I live on vacation every day. 

This is my happy place and every day is a vacay here at Peace and Love Acres. 

And it was Lauren who took me away from my daily vacay to enjoy a real-live trip away from home, leaving Ryan and the kids to tend to the farm. 

Where did we go? To attend a wedding for my niece, Maddie in Crowley, Louisiana (down near Lake Charles). It would be a 6 1/2 hour drive there on Saturday, attend the wedding and reception, and we would then drive back Sunday. It was a short trip, but we had the best time!!! We took this mini vacay to go see my sweet, sweet niece say I Do, and for the record.....she did. 

Another upside to this trip was Lauren and I having lots of car time together - which I loved. We could talk together, like humans do. Magical. We soaked it up. 

We talked, listened to podcasts
and ate fast food because that's our business

It was a fun trip, and the wedding and reception was oh-so-beautiful!

I was thinking about how nervous Maddie must be.....
it was almost time to head in the church!

Back home, the farm hands were doing their thing.....

Tractor-ing to the barn to get 
their chores done

Underwear not required  - 
we're a very relaxed operation around here.

All while.....

We were having lots of reception-time fun!!

All in all, I had a vacay - away from my own daily vacay - and we were BOTH so glad we went to celebrate Maddie on her big day!! Congrats Maddie and Luke! We love you and thanks for including us in your most special day ⚭


Poor Paul

"Wolfe City PD, I'd like to report an assault, please!"

For 2 nights, Paul was attacked and left out, far away from the barn. How dare you. 

Whoever did this will pay. Apparently, someone has beef with the turkey. 

I know, they got you good.

So what happened was......I found Paul far away from the barn (well, far away for him) and picked him up (yes picked him up) and carried him back to the barn, not realizing he was hurt. I thought he was lost. He is old and forgetful because age comes for us all.

And no, I wasn't sure why he had mossied away from the barn so far, but would later learn. In that moment, I just needed him back in the barn. I never would have guessed something was out for him. It's not Thanksgiving yet.

A couple of days later, again, I could not find Paul. Upon searching the property, I found him honkered down even farther away from the barn, but this time, I could tell he was hurt. 
So gingerly, I picked him up (he's heavy by the way) and carried him back to the barn, but did something different this time. I put him in a protected area with his own security camera, so that I could keep an eye on him. Not realizing he would try to keep an eye on me instead.

Mama, are you in there?

Paul watched me through the camera as much as I watched him.
At this point, I'm not sure who was supervising whom. 

I still don't know what tried to get him. Or who tried to hurt him. But from here on out, he's put up at night in his very own pen. And so far so great! 

Sometimes a chicken-friend will fly over his fence, and visit him.
But still, I have my security cam over here watching you,
Paul The Turkey 👀

Paul still enjoys wandering about during the day, as I let him out in the mornings. But at night, I gotta make sure you stay safe, my friend.
Just for the record, Paul's feathers have grown back and his owie is healing up nicely. And I still watch over him, as he watches me. 

Everybody else okay?

They are!

The Girlz are loving this milder weather 

Kitty and June Bug protect the barn

Maybe doing what she does best

Before Gus got his fence at his other house, this is how
we all rolled. That's Snowy and Mia (co-napping with Gus) 
who also happen to be past-strays, who can vouch
that living here is a more reliable way to live, than homeless.

My favorite smart a$$es 🫏

Hope, the ever-reigning Beauty Queen 👑

Their cuteness masks their mischievous nature 👻

Forever Dora. Kind, soft-spirited, and unassuming 💗

Yes, overall, everyone is great! The Littles are not shown - but you know they are as rowdy as the pirate ship they were raised on.

And while this witch is brewing up her next concoction and creating new spells of her own - she's riding her broomstick into wiser ways of being. So glad you're along for the ride.

Stay salty,

Cyndi

Big love in a little house

Thank you, Lauren for this most appropriate gift

I've arrived

I have many favorite parts of life. Like my little house. Since it's larger than a "tiny" house, I do tend to call it my little house - and honestly, it's just the right size for me and my crew. By 'crew', I mean the dogs and I - and Pixie, of course.

I think my very favorite part of it is the 'less cleaning' aspect. I would rather be outside loving on my farm animals than inside cleaning. In fact, given the choice, I would happily clean the barn instead of cleaning my house. And yes, some of that lends to the fact that I just love being outside in general. Ideally, in the barn. 

Recently, Lauren and Ryan graciously gifted me a vacuum/mop Roomba - without even knowing my disdain for floor cleaning. Her name is Honey Bee. I love her.

My girl

She lives up to her name. I love how diligently she cleans and mops, going about her business quietly, like the busy bee she is. When I watch her, I feel as though she is actually thinking as she maneuvers around as if she's being considerate. She's never rude. She doesn't complain. She moves around the room in harmony with us. Almost like she's sentient. Sometimes, I watch her busy bee self just working away and I'm convinced she's breathing and I think, Honey Bee is real.

I mean, she can read the room. Frankly, some people can't do that.

Pixie Pie is still trying to figure out who this new friend is. She's not opposed to her. Just needs more time with her. 

I'm in love with my little house as it fits my life purrfectly, and I do think my housemates would agree. I do have the self-awareness to notice those who visit may not relate to it in the same way as I do. And I'm okay with that. Little spaces are not for everyone. I'm very grateful to have found my way in life to it. I've craved a life of less is more - and the combination of coziness, the feeling of safety, and the growing of big love in a little house feels absolutely luxurious. 

Love you to the barn and back

Another wonderful and favorite part of my life is The Barn. Of course. 

This is where many of those I love the most, live and reside. 

Poppy and Pippa in the mix - always

Poppy and Pippa have renewed their vows since Emmie went to live down the street with Kevin and Crystal. BTW - Emmie is doing remarkably well! Her new farm is just a mile or two away, and when I pass it, I see her lil self living her best donkey life. 

Together Forever 

Poppy and Pippa are both older donkeys, with Poppy being around 30 years old. I love that they get to live their senior lives here at the aka Sunshine Senior Resort with an abundance of safety, love, food  - and no shortage of opinions. Although there are no spa robes nor cucumber water, they do get to poop wherever they want.

Hope is looking good and is the young one of the group. She allows (code for tolerates) me the pleasure of cutting her mane and styling it to stay fresh and clean. Well, she tries to try. I can be a lot for her. 

Don’t worry, Hope, karma 
will find those people who hurt you long ago. 

And my girl, Dora ❤️

With age, Dora (also around 30 now) has developed a slow and meticulous walking style. 

No hurry to go anywhere 

How are you this cute?!🥰 

Dora does not rush. She has places to go, but apparently none of them require urgency. The last time my farrier was here trimming hooves, he gently mentioned that I might want to research burial options for my older girls. Rude, but fair. So I did, as it is in everyone’s best interest to be prepared in a time of need. After all, part of farm ownership is cemetery logistics. And, I do have a cemetery onsite and absolutely plan for all my girls to stay with me here on the land they called home. And as morbid as this sounds, I'm officially saying that after I step off the curb, please turn me into dust and spread me back to the earth - right here in/on my very own cemetery. There's no where else I'd rather be.

Visiting recently

Brooks and I went to visit Kitty-pillar recently. She was a stray cat who passed away, and I had buried her under the trees to rest easy there. I do have to be diligent to keep the gravesites covered so predators do not dig them up. Just part of country life. 

Her smile

I can’t even with her cute smile 

Food? Did someone say food?

And my sweet sweet curious goats are my secret loves who I don't always speak of readily. But they are always there. Always watching. And, almost always, eating. Coco and Pearl are such fun lil girls that they do indeed make me want more goats which is how this whole farm animal situation gets out of control. You love one animal. Then you think, Well, surely one more won't hurt. And then you have 100 chickens. I digress.

Where was I......oh yeah, I do love them so much. Coco nuzzles me, licks my hand tasting the saltiness of it, while I rub her little face - all while Pearl prefers to enjoy the view from just out-of-reach. Pearl and Hope have a similar holla hoop - just out of reach - but close enough to enjoy. Not touching please. Look only. 

Sisters not sisters

They love to play house, jump on anything,
and coexist with the chickens extremely well

Since Coco and Pearl are such BFFs, I won't throw a wrench in things at the moment. Yes, I want more goats but I also know that all is right-sized in the barn. So walk away, Cyndi, walk away from the Craigslist Goats For Sale page. 

Me, making my list of fun goat names
for 'when it's time'

Chicken Mama

And as you know - my chickens were my first farm-animal-wish-come-true. They were my gateway animal. I got chickens and apparently my brain said, Well, now that we've done that, let's collect the entire barnyard. And here we are.

I am such a chicken mama and proud of it. Who else can sleep and poop all at the same time. I’m talking about the chickens. 

My boy and my girlz 

My favorite thing about chickens?

I love the way they have community within their flock. They have best friends, and are fiercely loyal to those said friends til the end of their days. They will lay beside one another for days, as emotional support for their elderly friend(s) as they move across the rainbow bridge. Utterly inspiring. 

Not often thought about by humans, yet each chicken has their own little personality. They have their social hierarchies just as humans do, and likely, their own neighborhood gossip. They create community amongst themselves and invite other hens into their flock with love and (mostly) respect. Everyone has a place. The pecking order is real.

Summer will end soon, I promise

For me, I know each cluck and what it means. I know who is happy, who is distressed - and who is complaining. They are able to make announcements to the group - whether it's a happy egg song or a warning call to the others. They are truly fascinating creatures - like little dinosaurs. 

Yes, I am The Treat Lady

I appreciate them all - and they work hard every day making eggs inside their little bodies, only to wake up and do it again the next day. A daily miracle, right here at Peace and Love Acres. 

And we can't ever forget Paul The Turkey. 

Oh, my handsome Paul. He's so dedicated, loyal - and a bit of a bragger. He does look good, and checks hisself in the mirror every day. 

As he ages, he is slower in his strut. 
Me too, Paul. Me, too.

But wow, how did I get so lucky to get a kind, sweet male turkey - because they are all not that way - search it up. 

A rare find when his feathers are down
But he is in molt

I know it’s hot sweet pea
It’ll get better soon

And to add to the heat, Paul is in molt, and that takes a toll on chickens and turkeys. Once he sheds his feathers and grows them back - he'll be lookin fly again. Keep doing you, Paul. Keep showin' up and showin' out. It's you and me, bud, still walking around like we own the place, looking a little rough. 

Snow Day 

It's been a long road for this young stray, yet Snowy is showing us how to walk it out. 

Let's review. It all started when a stray Great Pyrenees was hanging around Lauren and Ryan's house a few weeks before they were to move to Wolfe City. And they had become attached enough to this sweet stray that they asked if we could have him here in Wolfe City. The pup was caught by a helpful neighbor, who then transported him to me (half way, thank you kind neighbor!) and I took possession of him. The kids named him Snowy because of his beautiful white coat. 

He’s definitely learned to relax

Little did we know what would come of all this, but after a vet visit, a neuter, and also addt medications, his ailments resolved. The only thing the vet was not able to resolve was Snowy's obsession with chewing things. Anything. Everything. 

This stuffie happens to be an approved chew toy
A rare occurrence 

I'm hoping with time and age, Snowy will stop the incessant chewing of anything in his reach. Granted, I have 1001 bones around this place for him to chew. But no, a shoe or boot is much better. At least it's not chickens he's after! Let's focus on the victories. 

In a turn of events, Mia and Snowy have become great friends who enjoy a rough game of play. Both prior strays.  Both full of love and light. 

The Dog Pack 

Ya know, I love a dog. All dogs. Any dogs. Big dogs. Little dogs. Young dogs. Old dogs. Dogs with issues. Dogs with opinions. Dogs who think they're people. Dogs who have absolutely no idea how big they are. I just love 'em. 

Mia, Bestest Girl

Crazy Charlotte. Not just a name. 

Theo never disappoints

Ole Faithful Maybe

Sugar, My Heartbeat 

The Crew

Penny and Dutch enjoying their 
chew bones and raised beds.
They deserve only the best. 🏆

A favorite daily activity - when Char and Pixie hop in the ring to battle one another. Yep, it's usually Charlotte who winds up running out of the ring first. Luckily, there is always a puperee around to investigate when needed. Thank you, Theo. And even Maybe got in on the puperee action. Somebody has got to keep order around here. 

Somehow, I've ended up with a dog pack that feels less like a collections of pets, and more like a small, furry governing body. There are rules. There are personalities. There are alliances. There are probably meetings I'm not invited to. And somehow, I love every single one of them. 

With my indoor littles and my outdoor bigs - along with Queen Mia who is allowed to pick her place of choice - we all coexist. 

Most days , I feel like I've got it all 💟

And I've saved the best for last......

As much as I love my little house, my barn, my donkeys, horses, chickens, turkey, goats, doggos, cats, and all the beautiful chaos that comes with this life....

The greatest loves of my life are truly Lauren, Brooks and Olive. 

This trifecta of love keeps my soul tank full. A cup that now gets filled daily. What a gift. 

Let's take a look, shall we? 

Apparently, clothing is optional out here. 

We fish
in our underwear

We travel
in style

We work
in the barn

We play
everywhere

We eat
everything

We craft
as much as possible

We live life to the fullest 
in community with one another

And we rest
.....hard

They are my heart, my joy, my grounding place, and the reason behind so much of the life I have built here. We are together. And together we are love. 

Along with the animals that fill my days. 

And the farm that fills my hands. 

But these three...... fill my soul. 

Until next time....please take care of you,

Cyndi

* Did you notice this blogpost turned into a version of 

Where’s waldo Theo?

Me. Every day.