Wunjo Way of Joy

Years ago, I found The Book of Runes by Ralph H. Blum—a companion for the spiritual warrior, offering guidance through simple stones inscribed with ancient symbols. Among them, the rune Wunjo—joy—kept appearing, quietly insisting that joy is not just a fleeting feeling but a direction, a compass, a way of being. It still feels true. Wunjo is a reminder to orient toward inner alignment, beauty, and the harmonies that arise when we live close to nature and close to ourselves.

I’ve been writing on and off since my teenage years—scribbling into notebooks, chasing questions, trying to remember and reveal who I am and why I’m here in this body, on this Earth. Writing became a way of listening: to my own heart, to the natural world, to the whispers of something larger. Julia Cameron’s Morning Pages showed me how to meet myself on the page, honestly and without judgment. That practice stayed with me. Writing still brings me peace, joy, and the kind of clarity that comes only through attention and reflection.

This blog is an offering from that place—a contemplative space shaped by curiosity, longing, love, and a quiet devotion to beauty. It’s a way of tuning in, of learning through presence, of honoring the seasons both within and without. The Wunjo Way is not a fixed path—it’s a practice of becoming, again and again, with wonder and heart.

Grandpa

Last Updated on November 13, 2018 My grandpa, Hugo V. Kojola, aka Joe. To me, he was a funny, jolly man with a huge white bread, so naturally I thought he was Santa Claus for several years as a kid. He was a inventor, tinkerer and maker of many things in his basement workshop. He…

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Diving

Last Updated on November 13, 2018 My dad took this photo of me diving when I was maybe 11 or 12. My young face looks so determined and also afraid. It’s been years since I’ve been on a diving board, but what I remember most about it, all those years and all those dives, is…

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Bernie

Last Updated on November 14, 2017 I’m exploring what it’s like to be for my own beliefs and not against anyone else’s. It’s challenging not to be against someone that I whole heartedly disagree with, but I don’t need to understand to accept all shades of humanity. I believe that we need to quickly move…

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Happy

Last Updated on November 13, 2018 There’s a stuckness I’m grappling with and it’s all on me. There are no real barriers to my happiness other than my own willingness to be happy. I’m completely willing to be happy with my friends, with strangers, in public places. I love being kind, open, loving, and supportive…

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Alchemy

Last Updated on November 13, 2018 “And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” ― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist I love The Alchemist and have read it so many times. This is one of my favorite lines. I feel like the only explanation for my life is the…

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Blossoms

Last Updated on November 13, 2018 This is one of my favorite stories: Subhuti was Buddha’s disciples. He was able to understand the potency of emptiness, the viewpoint that nothing exists except in its relationship of subjectivity and objectivity. One day Subhuti, in a mood of sublime emptiness, was sitting under a tree. Flowers began…

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Ocean

Last Updated on November 13, 2018 The ocean is part of my heart, my healing, my being, always. I walked towards the ocean today. The closer I got the bigger my feelings came rushing through me, out my eyes, down my face. I filled my lungs with misty air and kept going. I saw an…

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Chairs

Last Updated on November 13, 2018 Many months ago someone put some Adirondack chairs at the edge of the bay along Pt San Pedro Rd. I’ve seen them there so many times and thought what a lovely idea it was; an invitation to sit & enjoy a beautiful view. Today I was on a walk,…

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Preacher

Last Updated on November 13, 2018 I’ve been a Minister with the Universal Life Church since August 2000, when my dear friend, mentor and Goddess Mother, Evelyn Hall, gave me a blessing and invitation to perform my own ceremonies after completing a 3 day Vision Quest ceremony with her, as well as several years of guided…

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Uluru

Last Updated on November 13, 2018 At Ayers Rock (Uluru) – August 2000 Big, red belly protruding from the Earth Native wisdom echoes from the Dreamtime Your famous pigment radiating fully In glorious moments of rising sunlight Dawn follows dusk over the arc of time Illuminating the secret caves and sensuous curves Of the Rainbow…

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Stars

Last Updated on November 13, 2018 I’ve always loved stars. I love how we call them ’the stars.’ I like most the feeling I get when I am outside at night and I look up and remember that they are there. For me, the stars are proof of something, but I can’t say what. It’s…

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George

Last Updated on November 13, 2018 Remembering my beloved George-kitty today. A year ago, his brother John and I were so devastated when he disappeared. There’s still a George-shaped hole in my heart where I keep all my memories of what a loving, unique, funny, curious, frustrating and amazing feline he was. I’m not ashamed…

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