On the Bog - marykatekopec.com

Friendly ChitChat
On the Bog (with Kat, Bear, & Wogs)

Chatting with Friends. On the Bog. Mary Kate Kopec. Love and Big Hugs!

Happy Chatting with Friends!

Recent winter days had been gray, blustery, and teeth-chatteringly cold On the Bog. So, when the sun popped through the clouds, bringing brightness and cheer, our adventuring trio, Kat, Bear, and Wogs, set out for an afternoon trek through the windblown, ice-crusty snow, looking for some fun and friends!

The sound of Bear’s sled carving a path through the snow was its own kind of hypnotic, relaxing delight. Kat and Wogs soon found themselves humming in time with their rhythmic footfalls crunching deeply into the snow; Bear happily purred along in accompaniment.

Squeech and Tookie joined in, chirping with mirth while flitting and zipping from the trees to the bogtails, playing and munching in delight!

They were quite the happy little harmony! It was simply wonderful being outside with nature!

Through the distance, the echo of their sunny enjoyment floated back to them, getting louder and louder until Kat, Bear, and Wogs realized they were being approached.

Friends emerged from a tree-lined path on the other side of the Bog. It was Sandy and Sweet Samson out for their own adventurous sled-riding trek!

Pausing On the Bog, Kat, Bear, Wogs, Sandy, and Sweet Samson all waved hello and stopped for some exciting chitty chat!

What heartwarming happiness it is seeing and being seen. Hearing and being heard.

Chit chatting. Connecting. Being Friends. Sharing kindness and love.

They all laughed about their perfect timing and hoped to see each other again soon!

Kat (giddy for seeing friendly faces): Ohmigosh Sandy, Sweet Samson, how lovely to see you!

Wogs (smiling big): How are you both? Having a fantastic adventure today?

Sandy (overjoyed for bumping into friends): We’re good! How wonderful to find you out here!

Bear (jovially flicker-swishing his tail and thinking cool sled of Sweet Samson’s ride): Mrow!

Sweet Samson (waving his curly tail and thinking cool sled of Bear’s ride): Mrow!

You are precious and unique, like a snowflake. Mary Kate Kopec. Love and Big Hugs.

Friendships, Relationships, & Connection

Hello Precious-Hearts!

I hope you are happy, healthy, safe, and well today! May the bright and healing light of the stars, the universe, and the heavens above speedily bring you any of these you are lacking!

Let’s have a quick share about connection and connecting today!

Our relationships with ourselves, our friends, our families, … all the people in our lives near and far, … these relationships … these connections … are what we make of them and allow them to be in our lives.

They can love us, support us, hold us, empower us. They can help us move mountains uphill. They can be the light in the darkness, and the strength when we are weak.

They influence who we are and who we are becoming!

I invite you to connect with yourself today. Be your own best friend (There’s no one in this world you will spend more time with than you, so loving and being kind to you is wonderful and powerful!).

I also invite you to connect with a friend or loved one today! Someone you can share goodness with. Someone you will feel brightened by, and someone you can help feel brightened by you!

Connection through friendship with yourself and with those you love … it’s a beautiful, life-brightening goodness!

Thank you for being here with me today! Thank you for connecting with me! Thank you for sharing this precious time together!

I love you BIG! Hugging you even BIGGER!

There’s a Dragonfly on Me!
On the Bog (with Kat, Bear, & Wogs)

Dragonfly! On the Bog (with Kat, Bear, & Wogs). Mary Kate Kopec. Love and Big Hugs!

There’s a Dragonfly on Me!!!

Bear sat absolutely still, only daring to slant his eyes to the crook of his tail to see the beautiful dragonfly resting there.

This was a first for Bear! And he was SUPER excited, but SO very, very still. And quiiii-et, shhhh.

Wondering if he should hold his breath, Bear watched as the dragonfly gently raised and lowered its nearly invisible, translucent wings, as if the dragonfly was ready to dart at a moment’s notice, but for now was liking its perch.

There was a gentle, cool, Fall breeze with the sun shining bright and only a smattering of fluffy, puffy white clouds in the sky. Kat, Bear, and Wogs were taking in the delights of the day knowing soon it would be cold and much of nature would grow quiet under the upcoming blanket of winter.

Kat (whispering in giddy excitement): Ohmigosh Bear, look at you! You’ve got a dragonfly on you!

Wogs (gasping with a big smile and whispering): How cool are you, Bear?! What a fun thing to happen to you!

Bear (mrowing with uncontainable excitement, but only on the inside, he was exclaiming, “There’s a dragonfly on me! There’s a dragonfly on me!” … and thinking, This “being present in the moment in nature” thing is cool … hashtag, MakeThisALifeGoal!): <3

It really is the small things!

Hello Beautiful Blossom!

How are you today? Is there something you need? Something that will help you feel whole, well, and loved? Can you give yourself this thing?

I am thinking of you with love in my heart and hugs coming to you from my open and welcoming arms!

What little thing can you do for yourself today?

Can you take a moment to breathe intentionally?
Can you stop for a moment to soak up the nature around you?
Is there someone you can connect with to just say HI and let them know they are thought of, and for you to be thought of?
Maybe, you just need a good book, warm blanket, cozy couch, cuppa something warm and tasty and a moment to yourself.

Today, I wish you the small things. The little things that go a long way in bringing you joy, peace, calm. love, laughter, and wellness!

Today, my love for you travels to you from the happy wake of a dragonfly’s wings!

Muah!

A Hint of Fall Color!
On the Bog (with Kat, Bear, & Wogs)

Fall Color. On the Bog. Mary Kate Kopec. Love and Big Hugs!

A Hint of Fall Color!

A hot summer sun blazed high in the sky, brightening the day and keeping spirits high. On the Bog, Kat, Bear, and Wogs were out for an exploration trek and enjoying the incoming fall breeze keeping them cool as they hiked on. Bear was excited for the wagon ride through the “wild”!

Our adventuring trio found Belle resting on an inviting hammock. She chirped her happiness when they stopped to say, “HI.” and admire the hint of fall color showing on the two, tall red maples hosting the hammock.

Flop, Fluff, and Squeech all played nearby and were enjoying the gentle turn of weather.

Kat (looking up at the clouds, then back to the hammock and thinking it might be nice to rest a while and watch the clouds float by): I think we should try out that hammock when Squeech is done!

Wogs (nodded, smiling at the thought): Definitely! We can explore for a bit more to give Bear a big ride, then come back.

Bear (loving this plan and looking forward to some wagon nap time after adventuring flicker-swished his tail in happiness): Mrow!

Hello Beautiful Sweet Souls!

Our world is becoming ever more challenging. I’m guessing you feel it, too. The anger, angst, frustration, and even fear. It’s been building, bubbling, and boiling.

When times get hard like this, it can get harder to cope and navigate. I know I’m finding it harder. Our usual self-care can fall short. We can feel ourselves melting under the weight of stress of negativity.

Dearest, loveliest, bright blossom, dig your roots deep. Don’t give up, and know you are loved and not alone, and you are needed! Shine your petals wide and bright into the sunlight and take in the warmth and positive energy! Let the goodness wash over you and help preserve you!

This is a time for a deeper dive into what works for us! Connect and share with your like-minded love muffins. Breathe deeply, slowly, measured and paced. Get movement into your body. Nourish and hydrate. Hug yourself. Unplug and disconnect. Rest and rejuvenate. Head outside and be present to just watch the clouds float by.

And when you need a release beyond your efforts to quiet and calm the howling winds outside … go for a run, knead some bread (maybe punch it a little, or maybe even a lot! … lol), faceplant into a pillow deep in the recesses of your closet and scream … but find a positive release that will help you get the stress out, let go, and heal.

I know it’s harder for many of us. Me, too. But harder isn’t impossible. It’s just harder, and we’re worth our effort!

Focus on what works for you! Focus on what empowers you! Focus on what makes you feel happiness in your heart and heals your soul, mind, and body!

One day, one step, one breath at a time … together with love and goodness as our guiding value … let’s watch the clouds float by and feel peace and calm and love in our hearts!

Thank you for sharing this time and being here with me in love and big hugs! Squeezing you tight!

Comedy Night at Froggy Bog!
On the Bog (with Kat, Bear, & Wogs)

Laughter is medicine! On the Bog! Mary Kate Kopec. Love and Big Hugs!

Comedy Night at Froggy Bogs!

The darkness of night had fallen On the Bog, lit only by a faint crescent moon tucked behind thick clouds, some gently twinkling stars, and lots of blinking fireflies.

The pleasant summer day had been sunny and warm with a happy, cooling breeze to make their playtime an absolute delight! Kat, Bear, and Wogs were all tuckered out from their big outside adventuring and silliness.

Nestled inside Starry Cottage On the Bog, they all snuggled together on their big, fluffy couch and listened to the froggy boggy sounds outside.

Kat (smiling and wondering): It sounds like they’re laughing!

Wogs (nodding and smiling back): Yeah, must be stand-up night, and their comedian is hilarious!

Bear (thinking the frogs were probably laughing at them for spending such a good night inside and missing out on all the moonlit fun, wagged the end of his tail with eagerness, but then yawned): Mrow.

Laughter can actually reduce pain and encourage healing!

And let’s be real … we could all use some healing right now … if not physically, then mentally and emotionally.

As we dip into yet another wave of pandemic challenge and hear more about the climate crisis, and …, and …, and …, … … … whatever the world is throwing our way, it can be hard to stay positive. Upbeat. Lighthearted. … Or even, just to be okay and hanging in there.

Our morale can drop, and with it, it can take our overall well-being (including physical). So it’s important for us to find ways to laugh and lighten up … to be bright and smile!

It’s important for us to connect with our loving, happy peeps! It’s important for us to be seen and heard. And it’s important for us to feel loved, smile big, and laugh hard!

So hug yourself or the creature sitting next to you (human or furry), and tell yourself this goodness: I am LOVED! I am NEEDED! I am a BRIGHT, BEAUTIFUL LIGHT IN THIS WORLD!

Smile and laugh! Share your smiles and laughter with others! (Did you know that even if you have to force a smile or laugh, it still helps??? … It’s true!)

So in these times when it can be easy to see darkness, I offer to you the gentle, loving, hugging reminder to Focus On What You Can Do To Help Your Body Cope And Heal!

And right now, you can smile and laugh! And know I love you!!!

A Scary Time!
On the Bog (with Kat, Bear, & Wogs)

scary time. positive relationships. Mary Kate Kopec. Love and Big Hugs!

A Scary Time!

It was a scary time On the Bog! Lightening struck, and thunder shook the very walls of Starry Cottage!

Dark skies roiled. Heavy rain blew and blustered, drenching everything in sight and obscuring the usually chipper sights of the Bog. All the creatures were silent and still, hiding in their homes and shelters, hoping for the storm to pass quickly.

Inside Starry Cottage with a candle lit in the window for hope and light, Kat, Bear, and Wogs huddled closely together, holding each other tight.

Kat (shuddering in response to a loud, nearby lightening strike): I’m scared.

Wogs (hugging Kat tighter and gently stroking Bear’s head for comfort): Me, too. But it’s scary outside, so that’s normal.

Kat (cuddling in closer to Wogs and petting Bear with calming love): I’m so grateful we have each other!

Wogs (loving Kat and Bear big time with gentle comforting hugs): Me, too!

Bear (loving Kat and Wogs so big and thankful for their comfort in such a scary time, snuggled deeply into Wogs lap and felt calm with Kat’s gentle touch): <3

Live an Inspired Life! Mary Kate Kopec. Love and Big Hugs!

It would be great if scary times didn’t happen, but they do. They can throw us off-center and disturb our calm. They can bring tremendous upset and upheaval. We can struggle to navigate these difficult times.

But navigate we must. One step at a time. One foot in front of the other. One breath at a time.

They help us be a little braver, be a bit calmer, and help us find the strength we need to get through the scary time with less soul scorching … less fear … an in a way that helps us feel not alone, … and simply better.

Nourishing positive relationships with others, growing love with friends and partners, and investing in meaningful connections all take time to flourish, but these bonds are gifts in our lives! They brighten our days! We have goodness to share! Support to lend! Hugs to hold us!

Together, we celebrate the good times, and comfort each other in the scary and difficult times!

Together, we make life happier, healthier, PINKer, kinder, more loving, more caring, … simply filled with more goodness!

I am filled with gratitude for this shared time with you! Thank you for being here with me as we navigate the good days and the bad days! Thank you for sharing your brightness with the world!

May any scary times you face pass quickly and without lasting debilitating impact. May you have the love and support you need to hold you, comfort you, and guide you safely back to brighter days! May you always feel my love holding your heart!

Nighttime Spectacular!
On the Bog (with Kat, Bear, & Wogs)

On the Bog! Mary Kate Kopec. Love and Big Hugs!

Nighttime Spectacular!

Kat, Bear, and Wogs were all snuggly buggily sound asleep in their happy little Starry Cottage On the Bog.

But outside, nightlife was vibrant and alive in a peaceful nighttime spectacular! The frogs and crickets chirped and sang in a restful, serenading ambiance. Fireflies twinkled everywhere being delightful little stars on earth. Stealthy deer sticking to the shadows waded amongst the tall wildflowers, nibbling and munching on yummy nummies.

And the moon! Oh, the moon! A dazzling orange sherbet light in the sky, hovered just above the treetops and cast a sherbet glow on the clouds nearby. The moon was making its evening trek toward the horizon, half full but filled with captivating excitement!

Kat (dreaming of their recent Bog Daze fun and smiling in her sleep sends loving thoughts and hugs to you): … love and big hugs
Wogs (lightly snoring, rolled over onto his side and pulled his blanket a lil higher … he’d hug you, too, but he’s deep in sleep): … love and big hugs

Bear (catching the twinkle of a firefly, he opened his eyes and peered out his window perch catching a glimpse of the wonder and thought, … wait til I tell Kat and Wogs what they missed! … then, he snuggled back into his curled up ball to dream of being outside catching fireflies and chasing deer … oh, and he sends you hugs, too!): … love and big hugs

tulip flower. Mary Kate Kopec. Love and Big Hugs.

Hello Sweet Beautiful Blossom!

Thank you for being here with me today! Just in case you needed it extra big … today is a big day of hugging and loving you my biggest!!!!

Please remember to give yourself a lil love … hydrate, eat something nourishing, take a moment to rest and breathe, and hug yourself for the brightness you are!!!!

Muah, SO BIG!!!!

Clog On the Bog (with Kat, Bear, & Wogs)

Clog On the Bog!

The rains came and went, leaving bright sunny skies, happy greenery, and brilliant blossoms On the Bog!

To celebrate, Kat, Bear, and Wogs hosted a delightful Bog Daze summer fun day! But with all the fun, games, and yummy nummies at the munching stations … there was a clog On the Bog as everyone waited their chance to use the Starry Cottage’s outhouse.

Even still, smiles were bright, spirits glistened with glee, and the merriment continued into the night with the big campfire!

Kat (doing a little jig): I’m glad I’m next … I drank too much lemonade!!!

Wogs (smiling and shaking his head at Kat): You always drink too much lemonade!

Bear (flicker-waving his tail is using his waiting time to say HI and hug you big!): Mrow!

This special On the Bog is by request and is in response to the loving hugs and ribbing my sweet blossoms from afar (UK and Australia) are giving me about the title of my story-sharing time with you!

For fun and happiness, Honeymuppin and I do truly live in our lil Starry Cottage On the Bog, and we love it!!!! As we were getting settled in, I started telling stories about the creatures and bog life … Honeymuppin said I should share, cuz the stories are cute! I was looking for a medium to short-story-share and digi-doodle … so On the Bog was born … without me knowing that “on the bog” also means to poo for some … like my gorgeous lights of love abroad. So when I told them, they, uh, … laughed … really hard!

So. On the Bog is our running happy joke! In a recent women’s circle chat, we all got a good laugh about them all coming to visit Starry Cottage and creating a Clog On the Bog … and so … here we are!

I hope this little inside share has brought a smile to your face and lifted your spirits today!

I’m hugging you so big, with brightest PINK in my heart!!! And with so much loving gratitude in my being for you sharing time with me, I wish you light, love, big smiles, and abundant wellness … always!

Invasion of the Frogs?!
On the Bog (with Kat, Bear, & Wogs)

Invasion of the Frogs?!

Early summer rains brought cool winds and dark skies. Kat, Bear, and Wogs were nestled warmly near the toasty fire in their Starry Cottage On the Bog!

Inside, Kat, Bear, and Wogs cozied up on their comfy couch and listened with giddy glee to the happy, froggy harmony coming in from the Bog. You almost couldn’t hear the steady pour of rain for the loudness of the frogs.

Kat (giggling at the delightful sound): They’re SO LOUD. The rain is making them very happy!

Wogs (turning to look at Kat with big, wondering, playful eyes): What if it’s not lots of frogs? What if it’s just one REALLY BIG frog!

hearts. Mary Kate Kopec. Love and Big Hugs!

Kindness and Caring. These go a long way and make a big difference in the world around us. And for ourselves.

Dear Sweet Blossoms,

I find myself vibrating with the stress of an unkind, uncaring interaction today. We had trees planted here at our Starry Cottage On the Bog (we are so grateful for our new trees, the life and light they are, and the life they will support)!

The trees are a delight!

The planters of the trees were unkind and uncaring, and their actions and attitudes have been a challenge to process. I mention this, not to be a bummer, but to highlight our actions have impact. Whether for good or for bad. We can be bright lights and love and bring ourselves and the world up, or not. It is our choice.

I feel our times are changing us. I’m feeling harshness where once their was, at minimum, social civility.

It does not have to be this way.

We can be kind. We can care. We can love. And we be bright lights!

For me, I find it feels wonderful sharing and smiling and hugging and being there for others!

Being here with you is AMAZING!!! Being here with you is SQUEE!!! Being here with you is HEALING!!! Being here with you is LOVE and BIG HUGS!!!

Be well, my sweet peas! May you find yourself surrounded by kindness and caring today, and everyday (and for when you don’t, know I am hugging you tighter and brighter, all day long!)!!!

Turtle Time!
On the Bog (with Kat, Bear, & Wogs)

On the Bog (with Kat, Bear, & Wogs). Mary Kate Kopec. Love and Big Hugs!

Turtle Time!

With summer quickly approaching, activity On the Bog was at an all time high! And the turtles were getting in on the action!

The blue skies were mostly clear, and the sun was bright and happy. Bug and bird life fluttered, flittered, and flew all about, buzzing and chirping, humming and tweeting, and making for a most melodious delight!

Tree canopies bubbled with leafy life and gently swayed in the comfortable, warm breeze. Wildflowers burst with color. And our adventurous trio, Kat, Bear, and Wogs, out for an afternoon walk, came upon the joyful busy of the Bog.

Tabitha, the snapping turtle, had emerged from the depths of the bog covered in algae, and was nestled into the hole she’d dug, laying her many eggs! By the middle of summer, baby snappers would be scattering about!

Tomi the Taxi, a painted turtle, was happily ferrying riders from one bog spot to another. Kat, Bear, and Wogs looked on as Tomi gave Belle a free ride … Belle and Squeech were taking turns and having fun! Tomi was cheerfully playing along with his feathery friends!

Kat (excited to see turtles, thinking they are SO cute): Ohmigosh, look! Turtles!!!!

Wogs (thinking turtles are SO cool): I see them! And look, Tomi’s playing taxi ride for the day! We should go grab our picnic gear and camp out for the afternoon!

Bear (cheerfully flicker-waving his tail at all the scurrying and flurrying and enjoying their adventurous find totally agreed with Kat and Wogs): Mrow!

Hello Beautiful Light of Love and Happiness!

Thinking of you being here with me, I’m bouncing with giddy glee! You make me smile so big, and you fill my heart to overflowing! Thank you for our shared time together!!!

Remember to give yourself a big hug and lots of love today! Drink lots of water. Nibble on nutritious num nums. Get up, wiggle/dance/walk around, and give your body some movement love! And take a moment to look at something you love and just breathe and be! You got today SO GOOD!!!!

muah! xoxox!

A Curious Visit!
On the Bog (with Kat, Bear, & Wogs)

A Curious Visit!

New visitors to the Bog stirred the creatures far and wide – along with Kat, Bear, and Wogs – with joyful curiosity, and BIG HOPES!

It was a delightfully warm and sunny spring day! The rains had greened everything up, and bright, yellow dandelions dotted the soft, plush, green grass.

A happy chorus of cheerful chirps, squeaks, quacks, and buzzy flights filled the air.

With their picnic camp all set up, Kat, Bear, and Wogs settled in for an afternoon of fun and merry onlooking!

Mr. and Mrs. Mallard swam, and munched, and explored all throughout the little pond they’d found, poking their beaks into the cattails, looking for private places to nestle.

To the gleeful anticipation of their onlookers, the ducks were deciding if this might be The Right Pond for them.

Kat (raising the binocs to get a better peek): I hope they move in! We might get to see baby ducks!!!

Wogs (reaching for the camera to catch some snaps): This is a great pond! We could get lucky!

Bear (loving their exciting picnic day together and thinking baby ducks would definitely be super cute): Mrow!

Bee Kind. Mary Kate Kopec. Love and Big Hugs!

Beeeeee Kind to yourself today! Give yourself some love! Take a moment to pause. Breathe. Let go. Just be.

Be in this moment. Beeee LOVE!

Give gratitude for this beautiful day … our happy time together. Give gratitude for your beautiful body … mind … and soul! Give gratitude for the Big Love in your heart and all the delights you share!

I’m hugging you SO BIG! Thank you for sharing this bright moment with me, and taking this deep, rejuvenating breath with me! I am so happy you are here!

ps: I also want to share a gentle reminder to beeee kind to the bees as well. We desperately need them. They love dandelions and other pollen producing flowers. Help them out … leave some water out nearby … don’t use pesticides and herbicides on your flowers (including dandelions). Together we can save the bees, and the bees can help save us!