Hawks have been prominent in my daily life, as of late. Often at eye level and within close proximity to my body, and on two separate occasions capturing and feasting on prey. I am reading these happenings carefully, paying close attention to where my thoughts, actions, words are when we crossroad. I feel it is in relation to my work, just as the praying mantises, snakes, and eagles correlated with my life, health, and writing at integral points. I believe in the importance of being in tune with nature, as signs, guidance, and answers we seek are present.

Monarchs have been abundant as well, so much so, they are fluttering outside my classroom drawing my students attention. My gardens are rife with them. I cross a parking lot on foot, and I nearly walk into them. This is more a communication from the other side, but nevertheless, a reply I’d been awaiting.

E.A. O'Connell. November 2018