Dream Whispers

By Carolynn F McCully

Inspired by a piece of driftwood, the author weaves a whimsical tale of fascination with nature and the creative life force surrounding us all. Mystifying life-energy unfolds through an inquisitive red cedar bench, aloof hat rack and extraordinary tiny cat companion with unusual healing powers. Delightful communication blossoms through the empat

• Language: English
• Publisher: Primix Publishing
• Release date: Dec 8, 2023
• ISBN: 9798891940222

Carolynn F McCully

Carolynn McCully, a Canadian-born author, is grateful for the opportunity to share some of her life's learning in her book Dream Whispers. Her journey has carried her through life from birth in 1944 to thepresent, 2023 and beyond. Learning much of life through experiences as a mother, grandmother, andgreat-grandmother has provided many opportunities to expand both heart and mind, allowing plenty ofopportunities to explore human nature along with the ups and downs of close connections that come withfamily.She comes from a committed service background to her community, teaching and working in social andemotional education for children, youth and families. Feeling it a privilege to experience a life of service toothers, Carolynn is grateful for her incredible journey and thrilled to share some of her learning in her book,Dream Whispers.Retired from her business career and service field of counselling, she looks forward to whatever the future brings. Grateful for her past and all it has offered with work, travel and exciting relationships, she lives out her present with an appreciation for what is and is to come. Her enthusiasm for life persists as sheexperiences and explores ways to express and share her learnings from life energy connections through her writings.

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© 2023 Carolynn McCully. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by Primix Publishing 12/08/2023

ISBN: 979-8-89194-020-8(sc)

ISBN: 979-8-89194-021-5(hc)

ISBN: 979-8-89194-022-2(e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023919284

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by iStock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © iStock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

I dedicate this book to Suzanne and Gail, my two beloved sisters who constantly inspire me with their love and appreciation for all of nature’s environment shared throughout our journey. Due to their love, support, and encouragement with the expansion of awareness of nature’s life energy found throughout the forest surroundings during a shared camping trip, I began formulating this whimsical tale of energy connection.

As a sister and welcomed guest, I will forever be grateful for all the magical moments spent in their warm hospitality. The encouragement, confidence, and interest I received from these special sisters are appreciated beyond measure. I am truly blessed to be connected to such wonderful travel companions.

Contents

INTRODUCTION

Enchantment Begins

WATER’S EDGE GIFT

Cedrina Awakens

THE LITTLE ALCOVE

PERSISTENCE AND FREEDOM

CLOUD OF UNCERTAINTY

ALCOVE ADJUSTMENT

A COLD DAY’S CHILLY ARRIVAL

Household Energy Shift

THE ARRIVAL OF THE GUEST

DREAM MEMORIES EXPANDED

Red Cedar Life Awareness

ANCIENT CEDAR WISDOM

SERVICE TO HUMANS OF THE PAST

EXPANSION OF DESIRE

A Unique Alcove Addition

DELIGHTFUL NEW ENCHANTMENT

WATER ENERGY AWARENESS

Exploring Light Energy

ENERGY GIFT OF PASSION TO BE

NATURE ENERGY UNCOVERED

DREAM DOOR AWAKENING

ENERGY GIFT OF PLEASURE TO FEEL

RAINBOW ARCS

THE COMMOTION OF CHANGE

WHISPERS OF HUMAN CONNECTION

RAINY DAY BONDING

TROUBLED GATHERING

Unusual Adaptations

CEDAR TREE ALTERATION

TREE ENERGY REMINDER

Under A Spell

ENERGY GIFT OF STRENGTH TO WILL

HUMAN ENCHANTMENT

FOREST CLEARING

A Time Of Transformation

APPROACHING CHANGE

RETURN TO GOLDEN LIGHT

ENERGY GIFT OF THE HEART TO LOVE

LOVE ENERGY EXPANDING

Exploring New Horizons

THE JOURNEY’S ADVENTURE STORY UNFOLDS

ANCIENT FOREST CONNECTION

THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES

TRAVEL JOURNEY’S LAST STOP

Unlocking Mysteries

THE TALE OF FURRY FOUR-LEGS

PURRING EFFECTS

ENERGY GIFT OF EXPRESSION TO SPEAK

LIFE CONNECTION WITH THE QUIET ONE

FILLING IN THE BLANKS

ENERGY GIFT OF INSIGHT TO SEE

Appreciating Past And Present

CHERISHING YESTERDAY

GRATITUDE WITH CHANGE

DREAMING TOMORROW

MYSTERY CARVINGS EXPLAINED

AN UNEXPECTED CONNECTION

ENERGY GIFT OF UNDERSTANDING TO KNOW

LETTING GO

Parting Of The Ways

THE HUNT IS ON

PRISM PARTING GIFT

CONCLUSION

REFERENCES AND SUGGESTED READING

INTRODUCTION

A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.

—Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

It is thought that the human desire to connect with nature unquestionably provides for fascinating learning, leaving much to think about regarding any wisdom gained from such a sought-after experience. Let us consider that all of nature, too, desires a similar connection with the results of sharing unique life awareness possibilities in the life journey. No matter the source, the desire to express one’s learning would most assuredly be enjoyable to those willing to listen and explore all offered in the exchange.

This whimsical tale is filled with many charming life reflections, unusual connections, and sharing opportunities that engulf a redwood cedar’s change in life-energy form. In this surprising adventure, Cedrina, a little red cedar bench, unveils growing awareness throughout her life journey. Memory flashes from her past persist through early spring awakenings in the form of dream whispers longing to be heard. These enlightening reflection experiences occur in a small alcove entrance of a rural country home far from the forest and lake surroundings of her past tree life-energy existence.

The motivation underpinning this energy awareness tale began with an eagerly accepted invitation to camp at a lake property in the mountains of British Columbia, accompanied by my beloved sisters. This unique property belonged to one of them, identified in the tale as one of Cedrina’s Dear Ones. The timing was perfect, having had to face an earlier-than-expected retirement, resulting in a problematic emotional period adapting to change.

"Your deepest roots are in nature. No matter who you are, where you live, or what kind of life you lead, you remain irrevocably linked with the rest of creation."

—Charles Cook

Enchantment Begins

WATER’S EDGE GIFT

Before we get into Cedrina’s story, the author wishes to share where the inspiration for ‘Dream Whispers’ originated after acquiring an unusual gift washed up from the shores of a little lake at the campsite in the BC mountains.

The invitation to spend time at the other end of the country for a summer vacation could not have come at a better time, bringing greater appreciation to the phrase, Change is as good as a rest. Topping off a summer’s retreat- from- reality by camping in the woods offered the perfect ending to a much-needed reprieve from all that was considered routine. A perfect opportunity to share and enjoy a world of nature, where life and tranquillity intertwine in breathtaking beauty. Such a harmonious setting would not be wasted! How could it, since camping in the middle of such a delightful forest area was the most inspiring ending to a lovely road trip into the mountains with family? Returning to nature was the perfect means to bring calmness to a weary traveller’s heart and peace of mind before embarking on the long journey home. As a guest, I could not help but feel tremendous appreciation to unwind in such a charm-filled atmosphere.

Settling into this enchanting environment began with a quick trek into the surrounding campsite area, allowing a firsthand glimpse of nature’s appeal, whetting one’s appetite for all that could be expected in the days ahead. It took a moment for the peace and serenity of this charming setting to soak in. A quick tour of my surroundings offered an impression of stepping into a small corner of the Garden of Eden. Impressed with this first taste of quiet charm, I eagerly awaited to become further lost in enchantment. For the first time, an in-depth enticement to connect with nature took such a firm hold on my heart and imagination that I was captivated from that moment on.

Majestic mountains were the backdrop of a breathtaking view of the peaceful lake where the campsite was located. Exploring the lake and surrounding area was high on the list of things to do over the next few sunshine-filled days. By being so fully immersed in the sights and sounds of nature, one could not help but become spellbound with tantalizing notions of imaginative forest life. It was time for a stroll on the beachfront after our stimulating morning hike through the immediate forest surroundings. While enjoying the slight cooling breeze from the lake, I was drawn to a strange-looking object resting in the pebbles at the water’s edge. It had been pointed out to me by my sister, who felt it would intrigue my curiosity. She was sure I would appreciate it, and she was so right. Filled with an immediate fascination, I thought it only natural to follow my intuitive urge to investigate. At first glance, it appeared to be a small piece of driftwood.

Captivated by the driftwood’s unusual shape, small size, and dull-gray coating, I eagerly picked it up for a closer look at the intriguing form, no matter that it was merely a lifeless piece of wood. To my mind, I figured it more as a natural treasure, as I momentarily held it close to my heart. After turning it over in my hands while brushing off loose bits of dirt and sand, my heart soon quickened, realizing a strange awareness of a most peculiar faint vibration coming from the driftwood. As I gave myself over to this mindful moment, I became aware of tunning into an odd energy frequency never felt before.

In that astonishing moment, it felt more than an old piece of dead wood. Captivated by a passing thought, "Perhaps all life forms hold some undying energy, even this old, weathered piece of driftwood." This unexpected notion of all things being energy-based immediately became the inspirational tone of what was to follow. Without hesitation, I decided that this little gift from the lake would become a special keepsake, a reminder of a most intriguing connection with nature’s magnetic energy, and a treasured lake souvenir from my sister’s property.

On returning to the campsite, the little driftwood was added to a collection of smaller stones gathered during the day’s outing and placed on a large rock close to the fire pit. For the rest of the day, I pondered the meaning of such a find with an ever-increasing sense of mystery and intrigue that this piece of wood had evoked in my imagination. A strange awakening to magical thinking had been triggered, along with unbounded curiosity about the hidden secrets of nature’s energy yet to be discovered. This curiosity and energy-rousing thoughts ran wild and free during what turned out to be a most delightful day’s outing.

I decided such an inspirational gift deserved a thorough cleanup, requiring tender care to keep the fragile pieces intact. At the same time, I thought, "Who can tell? Perhaps this little driftwood treasure has an important and insightful message for me." Its shape and position resting gracefully on the rock with extending root tentacles reminded me of something almost sacred. It seemed to me that those root tentacles and outstretched arms were clasped in a posture of prayer, begging to be noticed. The posture alone gave the impression that this piece of wood had something important to declare. It was impossible to resist such a plea for attention. All that was necessary was for someone to take the time to listen. While entertaining these fanciful ideas and thoughts, I began experiencing a strange, odd, yet familiar feeling. A new door of discovery slowly opened once more.

Water’s Edge Gift Piece of driftwood

Later in the evening, before heading down to the campfire, I gathered the necessary tools for a decisive cleaning procedure to ready the piece for the next step, a vital and vigorous sanding. Great care was needed to dig out all the debris collected over time in the driftwood crevices. Astonishment took hold with the depth of hopeful anticipation for how much attention was required to bring this little driftwood to a thing of beauty. I was about to embark on what could only be described as a ‘quest’ to discover more of nature’s energy. Bound and determined to uncover the mysteries of this little piece of wood, I settled in at the fire pit with sandpaper and a sharp knife close at hand, ready to begin a new and disarming energy discovery journey.

Incredibly, while picking up the driftwood off the nearby rock, I again experienced the tingling sensation I had felt earlier when I held it close to my heart. This time, however, instead of being identical, it was a bit stronger than the faint vibration felt at the water’s edge during that first moment of contact. Curious, I brought the little piece of driftwood up to my ear, smiling inwardly and thinking to myself, "What is it you have to say to me? I was astonished by an unexpected response to my query. Much like a faint whisper or distant but clear echo, awareness came to me in a quiet but clear answer, Open the door of heart and mind. Explore and enjoy each of life’s moments." I could only shake my head in amazement, unsure what it meant. At this point, I began to doubt my reality-based thinking and thought it best to return my attention to the cleaning task.

The origin of this beguiling piece of old wood was revealed as I smoothed away the rough gray outer shell. A warm, rich colour slowly emerged with firm but gentle sanding. This discovery prodded further attentiveness and a determination to continue despite the incessant sanding and energy required to bring out its hidden mystery and beauty. Soon, this persistence paid off in the revelation of a breathtaking display of symmetrical graining, showing streaks of pink and red throughout the curves of the wood. How delightful to discover that my little treasure was undoubtedly a tiny root portion of a red cedar tree. After much sanding and more buffing, I gently set it aside on the picnic table for the night. Turning towards my sleeping quarters, I recall letting out a deep sigh of contentment. Smiling inwardly, I thought, I wonder who discovered whom?

While preparing for bed after such a fulfilling but exhausting day of trekking through the forest, I took the time to reflect on the unusual energy connection with the little piece of wood. I could only view this remarkable, vibrational experience as incredible. If a lifeless object like this piece of driftwood can connect with such an unfamiliar energy force as this, I felt, can it communicate with other life forms? With nothing less than a racing, curiosity-filled mind, I could only speculate on the magical dreams I would be experiencing throughout the night.

Despite little sleep and an early rise, I felt fresh and strangely euphoric while heading down to the fire pit to welcome the sunrise, which, as it turned out, was another mysterious and joy-filled occasion. Arriving at the picnic table, I saw a most surprising spectacle. Seemingly, those first rays of the morning sun gently stroked the little piece of driftwood, intensifying the richness of newly exposed red cedar graining. For one thrilling moment, a surreal glow radiated from this extraordinary treasure. The sight triggered untold appreciation for an unseen energy force, opening a door into a new path of gratitude for all life-form connections. Perhaps through this little gift from the lake, an opportunity would arise to fulfil my growing inspiration, providing the means to share this exceptional experience.

After sanding Driftwood red woodgrain

It did not take long before my unusual creative mind took over, providing possibilities in a story form to explore and share a portion of nature’s energy with others. This unique nature connection took root deep in the heart and mind of this author.

Moment of Reflection

When absorbed in such an extraordinary occurrence, the experience reaffirms and inspires reflective thinking about the life-force energy in all creation.

Open the door to your heart and mind… Explore and enjoy each life moment. Where did these words come from? No matter the message’s origin, it set me on a path of magical thinking.

On that magical day, an intriguing door opened, expanding my heart and mind with a desire to express a portion of life learning through a tale based on exploring where this driftwood experience would take me.

This is my story of Cedrina and Rubeo.

Cedrina Awakens

THE LITTLE ALCOVE

The awakening season had arrived, bringing gifts of early Spring energy, new light, and the promise of warmer days. Facing east, the rural country home was perfectly positioned to capture that first magical glow of early dawn. If one listened carefully, sweet engagement sounds could be heard, with the echoes of chirping and chattering throughout the trees. Numerous small flying creatures beckoned the arrival of a new day. The large picture window provides a clear view of the winged ones, cloaked in magnificent flashes of colour, flitting from tree to tree. Spring had truly arrived.

View From Window

Any moment now, the sun’s rays would begin a predictable journey, rising over the far horizon, sending its magical light across the field, and then