I would like to express my deep respect and gratitude for the Traditional Custodians of the land on which I call home, the Ngunnawal people. I pay my respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging, and acknowledge their ongoing connection to this land. I am grateful for the wisdom and knowledge shared so generously, we have much to learn.
… My story is woven into this time and place with the threads of my own ancestors. On my mother's side, my ancestors set sail from Ireland and Cornwall to seek fortune in the gold rush, and from Norway with the whaling fleets. My father's lineage traces back to Canada’s French settlers who hailed from Brittany in France. It is only natural then that the stories of these diverse cultures and their journeys resonate within me, shaping my perspective and deepening my connection to the world.
As a dreamy child, I inhabited a world of imagination. Books became my portals to enchanted realms, and I reveled in the joy of drawing, making music, and singing melodies. I was and still am curious about the world around me. Nature was my playground, and I spent countless hours outdoors, lost in whimsical tales and pretending I could soar through the skies. Those childhood dreams nurtured my creative spirit and led to the publication of my first children’s book, The Adventures of William Brambleberry: Aviator Mouse.
These days I am a collector of beauty and wonder. Illustrated storybooks, fairytales, folklore, and myths hold a cherished place on my shelves, inviting me into realms of magic and wisdom. I find solace and inspiration in nature, wandering amidst the intricate tapestry of mushrooms, moss, lichen, flowers, and ferns. Nature's bounty beckons me to forage for useful herbs and flavorsome fruits that nourish and heal both body and soul.
As I embrace the passing years, moving from motherhood to sovereign and then to crone, I find myself eagerly anticipating the wisdom and enchantment that comes with growing old. I may be a henwife, tending to my loved ones with care, wisdom, and a magic trick or two, or even old Baba Yaga, living in the forest, fiercely protective of the wild places and slightly dangerous. The stories of old crones and wise women inspire me, reminding me that the journey of life is a tapestry woven with countless adventures and limitless possibilities.
Today, I reside in a small country town just outside Canberra, Australia's capital city, with my boys: my husband, my children, two dogs, and a cat. Here, I am privileged to witness the ever-turning wheel of seasons, each one painting the landscape with its own hues and harmonies. It is in this embrace of the seasons, with their profound cycles of growth, rest, and renewal, that I find a deep sense of belonging and awe.
Welcome to Wheel & Cross, where my passion for storytelling, nature's wonders, and the exploration of diverse traditions converge. Together, let us celebrate the sacred dance of seasons, seek wisdom in ancient lore, and immerse ourselves in the beauty that surrounds us.
Blessings of wonder and discovery,
Geneviève
It is lovely to meet you and as soon as I read Ngunnawal people, I knew you must be near Canberra! I grew up there, born there 51 years ago, school and uni. But my parents also had a farm at Bombala, in the Snowy Mountains so I’m a country girl too. Looking forward to your posts with the refreshing aspect of it being in my hemisphere for a change.