It started with a early morning dream. I was looking at my cellphone which said “4 messages.” But of course I woke up before I could get them. As the day proceeded at my retreat by the lake, the messages revealed themselves. First a phone call (isn’t it great we have cellphones in the woods???), which was actually some long-awaited good news. And then a chance meeting with the resort owner, who I had been looking for and trying to connect with (she’s now an old friend). As I settled at my picnic table in the sun outside my cabin with sketch book, pencils and markers, journal and new and exciting reading materials, I felt free of daily affairs and ready to dive into the space of ideas and art and inspiration. Then the other two messages arrived so visibly and clearly that I had no choice but to look, listen and learn.

The first was a big jay bird. I didn’t have time for pictures, so this is the closest I can find. He didn’t just fly by. He perched right up on the chair next to my table and looked at me intently. Wow! I could only sit still and be astonished. When I recovered enough to look up the symbolism of this bird, I found phrases like “bold and inquistive, investigating and learning new ideas,” and “creative intelligence uncovers the sacred interconnection of all things.” All at my tablecloth-covered picnic table full of my own explorations.

Before long, the final message came in the form of a tiny chipmunk. There are lots of squirrels and chipmunks in the area, and this photo doesn’t do much justice to the little guy who scampered right up near my feet and looked up at me, smiling. Well, anyway, I saw a smile!
And the symbolism for chipmunks? “Magic is afoot! Adventure and exploration. Gifts of artistic endeavors and creativity. Synchronicities are in the air.” No kidding. I actually had the distinct feeling that the universe was rushing in to give me comfort, reassurance and a big boost of confidence on my intuitive journey.