New this Issue:

Hi Everyone! Welcome to this issue of the journal and to the new beginnings of spring. The inspiration for this issue came to me through an email last March from one of our columnists Kevin Pennell, one of our destination healing writers—thank you Kevin. The story he shared of Hanble Okinyan (Freedom) and her human Jeff (page 6, written by Scott Cronenweth), is of a bald eagle who was injured and now serves with Jeff to help educate and foster the love and connection to all animals and to all that is... We are led through this story to know there is more to our relationships than we have been led to believe. This issue explores various ways to help us all reconnect, to ourselves, through the support of these wonderful companions that share our journey both at home and in nature.

There is also a story from a dear friend of mine who has helped me through many experiences in my life, Dawn Hayman, an animal communicator/teacher and co-founder with her partner, Bonnie Reynolds, of Spring Farm Cares in Clinton, New York. Dawn and Bonnie founded Spring Farm in 1991 and I have watched the farm grow over the years as a sanctuary for animals and humans’ alike, incorporating alternative energy, an education network and nature sanctuary. Dawn helped me in letting go when my life was dramatically changing as I found myself faced with the decision to find a new home for my friend. As I looked for his new home, with Dawn's help I was able to clearly see and read his signs as he was the one making the ultimate decision who he would share the second part of his life with. I must say that he chose a wonderful home; his intuition brought to his life the most wonderful people who were his constant companions. I asked Dawn if she would take the time to share with us the richness of these connections.

You'll find in the pages of the journal pictures of animals. These are our companions that have recently joined our extended family or departed, they as all of our companions have taught us love, compassion and a way to live life more fully. This issue is dedicated to all of our community of animal companions.

We would like to share with you that we have found a new home in Scarborough, Maine. It was an unusual experience for us, feeling that expansion was coming and finding that the property that appeared was smaller? But standing in this home, it was undeniable that expansion was it's gift, so... as you receive this issue we will be moving to 5 Laurel Ridge Rd., Scarborough, ME 04074 the email addresses and phone numbers will remain the same. I'm connecting to so much excitement, it seems to offer us the time to complete, start a new and grow into more of ourselves. Thank you Donna for your willingness to support all of the journal and us.

We have with the newness of spring lots of great offerings from our community of practitioners. There are new community supporters joining us in advertising both in Display Ads and the Directory of Resources. You will find it an interesting journey to look through the advertisements in this issue. Spirit Passages is bring Bohla back to us in Falmouth, ME in June, if you've gotten your copy of the journal early, Master Zhi Gang Sha will be in Stockbridge, MA the end of March, Michael Redsky will be doing a presentation in April at the Coastal House in Wells, ME. There are many Wellness Fairs and Conferences coming up; April 4th is the Yarmouth Wellness Fair sponsored by the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce and Mid-Coast Maine Women's Health Conference May 15th and 16th in Northport.

What a great time of year to venture back into our community and explore more of us with these exciting venues. Enjoy this issue it's a little different for us and enjoy the coming of the warmth and hope of life a new that spring will bring.