Writer, storyteller, and naturalist. www.cherylcapaldotraylor.com
It’s a hot July in North Carolina. That’s nothing new. These days as I walk through the woods, I see wild blackberries growing along the path. It’s blackberry picking season, which is also a season full of childhood memories. I remember as a young girl walking the railroad tracks up to Maw Beale’s house. Maw … More When Blackberries Are More Than Blackberries: Memories of Another Time
On the Occasion of a Woman Turning 48: Some random late night birthday thoughts. First of all, thank you to Mom and Dad who created, carried, nurtured, raised, and taught me. And loved me, even when I acted unlovable. I owe you my existence, my life. I am grateful. My 48th birthday. Where to start? … More On the Occasion of a Woman Turning 48
What This World Needs: Some thoughts on a Sunday morning More love, more compassion, more music, more prayer, more laughter, more gratitude, more community, more communication. Less hate, less ego, less greed, less fundamentalism, less exclusiveness. “In these Arms, A Song for All Beings” is a peaceful, meditative, spiritual journey into a place of calm … More What This World Needs
Beginnings, Endings, and the Paths Between “Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence.” ~Henry David Thoreau Once again, I’m pursuing a narrow and crooked path; it seems to be a pattern in my life. Perhaps, it is a pattern in all lives. When we are standing … More Beginnings, Endings, and the Paths Between
I’m going through a time of transition. I wrote about resetting my compass in my last blog post. Boy, have I been resetting my compass, changing directions, and feeling a little windtossed, uncertain, scared, and excited. In my time of need, who helps me to feel brave and confident that I am stumbling down … More In the Meantime…
Aparigraha: Yogic term often translated as non-attachment or non-grasping. It is the last of the yamas listed in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, and one of the most difficult for us humans to practice. Why? We grasp things. A lot of things. We grasp onto our security blankets, our money, our regimented schedules, our possessions, and people. … More Resetting Our Compass Again and Again (And Yes, Again)
Stewartia pseudocamellia. It’s a rainy Sunday morning in my part of North Carolina. It looks to be pretty much rainy the next few days. That’s ok with me, the more water that nature provides for my garden, the less I have to. Plus, my rain barrels fill up, irritating pollen gets washed away, and I … More Rainy Sunday Gardening
I spend a fair amount of time thinking about the fragility of life. Probably more than I should. I’m not morbid, I’m curious; perhaps I’m a bit anxious, as well. Life: It’s so unpredictable. One day you’re riding high, the next day you plummet to the depths. Illness takes us by surprise and changes everything–sometimes … More Otherwise: On Life’s Uncertainty
“It’s odd: there are moments when books beckon to you and the words you find in them are the ones you need then and there.”~~Marie Chaix I enjoy reading French literature, translated to English, of course. One of my favorite French authors is Marie Chaix. I could tell you why that is so, write an … More The Beckoning of French Literature
“Believe me, you will find more lessons in the woods than in books. Trees and stones will teach you what you cannot learn from masters.” ~St Bernard of Clairvaux. I’ve spent the last week or so just observing nature, really taking it all in on my walks. There’s always so much going on “behind the … More Observing and Learning from Nature
Giving Voice to My Astonishment 
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