My name is Juliet Bell.
I am a woman living in the woods with animals and nature all around. I have many interests. Among them: painting, photography, writing, and hand reading (see: www.bellpalmistry.com and Bell Palmistry on Facebook). I left the corporate world fifteen years ago to live in the quiet of the Monadnock area in New Hampshire. I have not had a moment of regret. It is a simple, serene, close to the earth, life I live. I am very fortunate and grateful for what I have.
Although my passion is to be outside, I can easily let days go by sitting at the computer or working in my studio. Suddenly I’m cranky, out of sorts, or even depressed. I wonder what’s wrong with me as I curl up in bed at three in the afternoon. If I’m not too down-in-the-dumps, I take myself outside and sit down by the pond, or I stand out under the stars at night, and then I know what’s wrong: I’ve been ignoring my main source of well being. Nature is the great restorative. My equilibrium depends upon spending time outdoors. And so…I have committed myself this year to heading outside for battery recharging every day.
I am also a spiritual person. I have another intention that I barely dare give voice to – in this outside venture I seek also to go inside – deep inside where the real me resides. What might I find hidden there? Being out in nature holds the promise of self discovery, though striving is not desirable in ones search for the inner self. So I will let my daily adventures unfold as they will, and find joy in simply being.
On Sale October 19, 2010: Chicken Soup for the Soul: Family matters.
You will find a humorous piece by me on page 144, “Joseph’s Many Coats”. (For those of you who like to read in the bathroom – this is perfect choice.)
Hey Juliet :
I really love your blog and what you are sharing with your fellow travellers.
You’ve made some courageous choices to be where you are now and honouring who you are.
I love the premise of your blog and the simple journey you take folks on, many of whom have not had the same courage but wish they did.
I’m looking forward to trekking a little behind you and enjoying the adventure.
Namaste,
Bright Garlick.
Thanks so much for your lovely remarks. I’m really on two journeys, one outside, and one on the computer. This whole blog thing is going to be an unfolding adventure as well, and rewarding on many levels – not the least of which, connecting with others. I hope you will check in from time to time.
Dear Julie,
I came here through your FB posting, and loved your piece about Max. We also have a cat, or cats, hanging around, possibly living somewhere under the house. One is a large orange tabby female, and there is at least one other, perhaps a kitten, a tabby with white underside. I sometimes find the little one huddled in front of the side-door when I come home in the afternoon. It always runs off as soon as I approach. Paul is allergic, so he doesn’t want the cats around, but they appear to have adopted the house.
Laura
Hi Laura,
I’m so gald you enjoyed Max’s story.
It’s always a good sign when animals hang around. You must have good vibes. Even if they cannot join you inside, I know there is much pleasure in just watching. I have two feral cats who live here, and though they are skittish, they have their time of day and location for allowing me to pet them. Feral cats don’t purr, so I knew they were feeling comfortable when I felt them rumbling.
I hope you will be able to provide some warmth for your strays in the winter, assuming they stay around. A bundle of straw would allow them some protection from the cold.
Thanks for posting a comment. It is quite fun getting comments.
Your concluding conviction to,”find joy in just being,” brings to mind the observations of Dr. Lewis Thomas in his book, “The Lives Of A Cell”. He cites the staggering odds against our ever having been born at all and concludes that we should all be jumping for joy that we made it here to be a witness to the mysterys and miracles of creation. John Barth, in one of his novels echoed that sentiment while pondering the meaning of life; “The key to the treasure,” he wisely observed, “is the treasure.” Keep on letting it unfold…I”ll try to do the same……TC
Julie,
How have you been? Are you off of facebook now, I couldn’t find you! Are you OK? I would like to hear from you! I guess our reunion plans didn’t work out. I have been too busy working and art quilting. Have you been painting lately?
Love,
Carol
Hello Juliet
I hope you find this email in the best of health. I am writing to you on behalf of Dr Kelli- The Angel Whisperer. She is currently working on a book that discusses the phenomenon of various shaped orbs found in pictures. Is it possible to use the pictures found on yor blog in the book?
The pictures that she is interested are on these URLs:
She wil mak sure that each picture used from your website is properly referenced.
On a personal note, I really enjoyed your pictures and your blog posts, they are a true inspiration. Why are you not blogging these days, you should because you are really good at it.
Waiting for your reply.
Warm regards
Rosheena Siddiqi
Dear Rosheena,
For some reason your comment was not forwarded to my personal e-mail, so it is only today that I have come across your request. Although this may be too late, yes, Dr. kelli has permission to use my photographs that you have referenced. I will be most interested to read the book when it is available. I hope you will let me know.
Thank you for your kind remarks about the site. And…finally, I feel I can get back to writing on a regular basis. I have been well, but very occupied with other things.
Thank you,
Juliet Bell
really enjoying your blog and pictures. The next time a full moon calls me to come outside, I will be wondering if you are out too. 🙂
Thank you. Every time I find a comment from a stranger, my enthusiasm for keeping the blog going is renewed. Funny how things go in cycles. I had a friend (and shaman) here yesterday, and he says there are portals all around here and Spirits are coming an going. Makes me want to get out and be more scientific and methodical about connecting with the Spirits here. So…perhaps I will.