~Crystals, Candles and Little Horned Toads~

Have you ever found a perfect shiny clear crystal quartz in the forest? Just lying there on the ground? There is something magical about that. I am blessed to have friends who often invite us up to their lovely little cabin in the pine forests north of Payson for a little R&R, hiking, nature, and sometimes just escaping the heat of the Arizona valley.  This past weekend was one of those times and even MORE special since it was “just the girls” (much quieter…and a lot less food involved! LOL!).

We arrived early Friday afternoon, and as we relaxed in the shade watching the hummingbirds air-dance around the feeder, we discussed our leisurely plans for the next two days. The plan was my favorite; hiking, crystal hunting, making a delicious pasta dinner, wine, camp fire, and something new….crafting something pretty out of the crystal treasures we find!

As usual the view from the rim is exquisite, and the hike throught the high desert forest is so calming. You can just feel the spirits of the native people that once lived there, the air tingles with the presence of elk, mule deer, coyotes, bear, big cats, reptiles, and of course all around you see and hear the winged ones. We found many beautiful clear crystal quartz, and this time I even found my first arrowhead! I was so excited 🙂 And then I seemed to keep coming across lovely little Horned Toads. These little critters are just so cute that I can’t help but pick them up. My friend informed me that holding one close to my heart would bring good luck. Seemed like a good idea…so I did. I felt an instant connection with the earth and shared the life and love energy that the little critters emit so big from their tiny being. Like the wee humming bird, the Spirit of the Horned Toad is certainly not confined by the size of its body, they are amazingly resilient, calm, and content to skitter from one shady spot to the next. Quite friendly too!

As planned, we crafted the most lovely tealight holders from the crystals we found. Each crystal is a gift from Gaia and the crystal chooses us, we don’t choose them. We made our own candle holders, but put them all togehter and sat by their radiating light and energy as the sun went down and into the evening. I adore my little de gists, and I adore my friends that I share space and time with. I adore spending time surrounded  by nature and the big blue sky. I think all that love was put into our little creations…I will treasure tham always, and can’t wait for the next trip!

Have a BRILLIANT Day,
Andrea Sobotka, “Critter Doc”