March 2021 Newsletter
"We're Open!" Crow Moon Healing Bed and Breakfast continues our Covid safety measures into the Spring of 2021. If you are looking for a place to stay in the area that feels like home and has smaller volume of traffic then a hotel, that is cleaned and sanitized (even light switches, and doorknobs), then consider Crow Moon Healing Bed and Breakfast. The gardem-level is private and spacious with a large sitting area, full bathroom, queen sized bed, full kitchen, eating area and views of the rolling hills and fields that make Southern Wisconsin so appealing to the eyes. WiFi is available at no extra cost. If you like connecting with animals, Crow Moon Healing has a small herd of farm animals that enjoy greeting guests. Whether it’s petting a horse, giving a pig a peanut, admiring a Alfred’s, the steer’s gentle eyes, chatting with chickens or cuddling a goat, animal lovers get their fill here. The breakfasts at Crow Moon Healing are made from scratch with personal dietary restrictions or preferences in mind. Karen and Fred, owners of Crow Moon Healing are down to earth, pleasant people who support guests with graciousness and care. We welcome you to experience a relaxing stay at Crow Moon Healing Bed and Breakfast located in the Roxbury Township between Sauk City and Middleton, Wisconsin off of highway 12. At Crow Moon Healing Bed and Breakfast we welcome you to stay!
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February Newsletter 2021
“They are cute only because you make them that way! Otherwise they would just be animals!” Sometimes I get surprising responses on my Facebook videos, the ones where I talk for my animal friends. Although, Alfred’s just a cow, steer actually, doing normal bovine behavior, I give a creative vocal expression to his antics. Some people may be fooled into thinking that I’m channeling for him, but I’m not. I don’t actually know what Alfred is thinking. But, I argue, that I’ve gotten to know my steer pretty well and so my guesses might be so accurate that it would give the appearance of channeling. I really wish I could communicate with my animal friends, and perhaps I do, at times, without knowing it. Alfred is so easy to understand. I’ve been his momma since he was a week old, so we’ve bonded. He knows his name, he comes when I call, unless he’s busy with something more interesting, but usually, he comes. He’s not complicated, like the horse. He enjoys hay and grasses. He likes to be scratched, all over, especially with the rake. He likes to have bedding to lay down on when resting and chewing his cud and he enjoys a meandering walk and things to play with, like the tire swing. He also likes to have herd mates, like the goats and perhaps even Bella the horse. All the things he likes, I provide for him, so he likes me. Some people may be confused when I speak through my animal friends as if they are capable of feeling joy, surprise, fear or anger, as they perhaps haven’t had an experience with an animal that has opened their hearts, like I have. When I talk for Alfred, it’s me, being playfully creative with another of God’s creatures, that I happen to know really well. At Crow Moon Healing Bed and Breakfast, we are open to the belief that animals have feelings and that we have an opportunity to open our hearts to connect and possibly communicate with them. COVID-19 Update: At this time we are wanting to assist in flattening the curve so we are limiting our hosting to one individual or related couple at a time. We have one space available, which is separate from the main living area. The "Garden Level" has a spacious bedroom with a queen-sized bed, full bathroom, sitting area, eating area, and full kitchen. We are hosting those who need a getaway or a quiet space to stay while traveling. Crow Moon Healing cleans all counters, light switches, doorknobs, bathroom and kitchen with disinfectants. Breakfasts are made in advance and put in the "Garden Level" fridge to support limited contact. Masks are worn as you enter and leave the home but can be removed once you are in the rented space. January 2021 Newsletter
“Love the One You’re With” I find myself in a place of dissatisfaction more often then I like to admit. I catch it at the most interesting times, like when I’m sitting in my teal blue beach chair in the garage trying to connect with my piggy, William, but he’s in his house too comfortable in his hay pile with a belly full of peanuts to come out and visit. Instead, one or two of the chickens skip over to perch on my out-stretched legs and they twerp and cluck, pecking at my pants, wanting to communicate about their day but I’m too wrapped up on my desire for the porker to appreciate the fact that two hens are taking this opportunity to spend time with me. The lyrics from an old song from 1970 by Crosby, Stills and Nash comes to me at times like these, “If you can’t be with the one you love, honey, love the one you’re with. Do-do, do do, do do, do-do” How many times in my past have I not appreciated the love right in front of me because I’ve set my intentions on someone or something that was out of reach in that moment. Or, how many times have I put my worrisome thoughts about something or someone in the forefront while I’m in the midst of other’s that care about me. During those times’ I’m not fully appreciating anyone or anything at any time. It’s a constant state of dissatisfaction. If I’m with the cow, I’m thinking about the horse. If I’m with Fred, I’m worrying about the pig. If I’m talking with my sister’s, I’m focused on Fred. The song, “Love the One You’re With,” came to me this summer while grazing my farm friends in Fred’s hay field. I had the lead on Alfred but wanted to connect with Bella. When I dropped Alfred’s lead to walk towards the horse, she trotted away from me. It hurt my feelings and made me long for a connection with her. I walked back to the steer, who greeted me with a wet nose kiss. It sounds rather silly to me that I learned about loving where I’m at and who I’m with in the moment from a horse who brushed me away and a cow who received me with a blast from the past song from childhood, but I’m a rather silly person. The song still pops in my head, in fact it just did again today when I caught myself fussing over the animals while snuggling in bed with Fred. At Crow Moon Healing Bed and Breakfast, we encourage everyone to “Love the One You’re With.” COVID-19 Update: At this time we are wanting to assist in flattening the curve so we are limiting our hosting to one individual or related couple at a time. We have one space available, which is separate from the main living area. The "Garden Level" has a spacious bedroom with a queen-sized bed, full bathroom, sitting area, eating area, and full kitchen. We are hosting those who need a getaway or a quiet space to stay while traveling. Crow Moon Healing cleans all counters, light switches, doorknobs, bathroom and kitchen with disinfectants. Breakfasts are made in advance and put in the "Garden Level" fridge to support limited contact. Masks are worn as you enter and leave the home but can be removed once you are in the rented space. December 2020 Newsletter
“You Come Highly Recommended” I’m amazed that this little bed and breakfast is being sustained through this difficult time. To stay afloat, We’ve cut back on advertising, the biggest drain to finances. Sounds counter-intuitive, but despite the lack of internet advertising, people find us. Four years of welcoming guests and word is spreading, Crow Moon Healing Bed and Breakfast is a beautiful, peaceful place to stay. “You’ve come highly recommended by my friend who stayed with you,” is the best endorsement we could receive. To all of our guests, Facebook friends, personal friends and family who have shared our videos, liked our page, stayed with us and then shared your experiences, thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU! At Crow Moon Healing Bed and Breakfast we appreciate your kinds words! COVID-19 Update: At this time we are wanting to assist in flattening the curve so we are limiting our hosting to one individual or related couple at a time. We have one space available, which is separate from the main living area. The "Garden Level" has a spacious bedroom with a queen-sized bed, full bathroom, sitting area, eating area, and full kitchen. We are hosting those who need a getaway or a quiet space to stay while traveling. Crow Moon Healing cleans all counters, light switches, doorknobs, bathroom and kitchen with disinfectants. Breakfasts are made in advance and put in the "Garden Level" fridge to support limited contact. Masks are worn as you enter and leave the home but can be removed once you are in the rented space. November Newsletter 2020
“Rescuing The Rock” I wasn’t so sure about adding a rooster to the small group of girls until a hawk glided by and almost snatch one of the sisters right in front of me. That was a spectacular moment! It was both beautiful to watch such an amazing creature up close and heart dropping because I love my chicken girls. The other thing I noticed with my chickens is that the girls were having a hard time staying a collective group. Invariably one or another would be waltzing around alone and it just made me nervous. Rooster’s can help with shepherding the flock, keeping them in a cohesive group. When I saw “The Rocks” picture on Facebook and that he was in need of rescuing, I knew he was my guy. His story is that he just showed up at a farm, probably dumped off by someone. The new guy was fighting with the resident roosters. If this young beautiful cock-a-doodle-doo didn’t find a home, he was going to be supper. He was unaware that he needed to be rescued and I needed help keeping my girls’ safe. We needed each other. Not being a fan of Roosters, for good reasons (I’ve gotten chased by a few), it took a lot of nerve for me to go in his holding pen and fetch him, but I did and he was nice about the transfer to the crate. I made a point of talking to him on the drive home, letting him know that I had a nice piece of property and some young ladies that needed a nice guy like himself to be their rock. Rocky’s been here a week and he is doing his best to impress the girls, while respecting me and William the pig. I suspect that William will always be the chickens favorite man as he is so pleasant, but the pig doesn’t go out enough or roam to the degree the girls need. “The Rock” can and will do his best to care for William’s hens. There is the early morning crowing to adapt to, but when I have guests, I take my coffee to the garage and visit the chickens. It seems to curb “The Rock” from his vocal performance. The hens gather around me and William lumbers over to snuggle and get a scratch. As the girls quietly discuss how things are integrating, “The Rock” stands at a distance soaking it all in, looking so handsome. At Crow Moon Healing, we do our best to rescue ourselves and others out of unpleasant situations. Concerned about Covid We want to assure guests that we are doing our Covid best during this time! I personally clean and disinfect bathrooms, light switches, door knobs, counters and tables between guests while also limiting guests to one small, related group, per level so that there is minimal exposure between guests. In doing this we are assisting guests in relaxing during these stressful times while doing our best to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Newsletter October 2020
“I’m ready to come for another visit!” Guests come to Crow Moon Healing for various reasons. Some guests like the location of Crow Moon Healing Bed and Breakfast to local favorite destinations like Wollershiem Winery, Devil’s Lake and biking trails. Other’s want to experience the tranquility of rural life, soaking up the beautiful view in the daylight hours and admiring the stars at night, allowing the peaceful energy to support their recharging. Still, other’s want to meet the happy animals that live here, like Bella, the beautiful horse that came apprehensively but has now bonded to the cow, Alfred and Molly the goat. When Caroline emailed saying, “I’m ready to come for another visit!” it filled my heart! That is why Crow Moon Healing Bed and Breakfast was created! A place for people to come, and to return to for self-care and recharging. Here at Crow Moon Healing we welcome guests to come and stay, relaxing in our clean spacious rooms, resting in the comfortable beds, experience our home cooked breakfasts made with dietary needs and preferences taken into account, breathe in fresh, crisp, fall air and explore the natural sights in the area and perhaps, pet a friendly farm animal. Blessings, Karen Concerned about Covid We want to assure guests that we are doing our Covid best during this time! I personally clean and disinfect bathrooms, light switches, door knobs, counters and tables between guests while also limiting guests to one small, related group, per level so that there is minimal exposure between guests. In doing this we are assisting guests in relaxing during these stressful times while doing our best to prevent the spread of Covid-19. September 2020 "Adding On"
With every addition to our little farm family, I focus and fuss over transitioning. Bella, the horse, was a big deal! It took months to acclimate her to the new environment and to new animal species. It was a lot of work, time and attention! There was changes in the barn, a new pasture made and alterations to the play pen to support Bella's needs. She didn't get along with the cow at first and she was afraid of William, the pig. But, it's going on four months since her arrival and I think she's finally relaxing and enjoying her new life. And then, I add on! Meet Mae and Monte! These are kinder goats, small in size but a big pull on my heart strings. More like dogs than goats, their personalities are happy, playful and herd orientated. Mae has a deformed teet, which her owner felt might cause problems if she was used for milking. Being a dairy goat, a deformity like this decreases her value. Her owner wanted her to have a good home regardless of her ability to milk and her brother, Monte, a whether (castrated male) came with, so they will be forever playmates. Adding on has its transition issues. Like having to hear a kid cry out when put to bed, these little ones sound like children bawling for their mom and Mae especially becomes vocal when she is discontent. Their biggest issue is that they want to be with me all the time! Their favorite thing to do is graze in the field with the "Big Ones" and their second favorite thing is to play on the hammock. At Crow Moon Healing Bed and Breakfast we see the value in the individual as we "Add On". August 2020 Newsletter
“I’ve Never Met a Cow Before!” That was the exclamation of a recent guest. The young woman had chosen to stay at Crow Moon Healing Bed and Breakfast with her mother for a weekend while taking a class in Madison. They picked the “Private Getaway” as it’s spacious, having more of an apartment feel to it, with a full kitchen, living area, dining area, along with a large bedroom and full bathroom. They made use of the kitchen for supper and took advantage of the outside space to enjoy the night sky by the fire-pit. I believe the reason the young lady was drawn to coming here, rather than a place closer to Madison was because she wanted to be in the country, and she saw some pictures and perhaps videos of the animals here at Crow Moon Healing. The moment this gal and her mom walked down to the alfalfa field where I was allowing the horse, goat and cow to graze, she lit up like a Christmas tree! Imagine having a first-time meeting with farm animals up close and personal! Perhaps, like this gal, you might be greeted by Molly, a friendly but bossy goat who’s trying to herd everyone, but enjoys meeting new people and checking out their clothes. Next, a happy, handsome Jersey steer walks right up to you to say, “Hi”. Alfred loves being admired and eagerly stretches out his neck for some chin scratching. Then there is Bella, the gorgeous and well-behaved horse who’s gracious enough to allow stroking, admiration and photo opportunities with or without treats. What a magical moment! Especially for someone who has never had an opportunity to have a personal experience with farm Animals. The animals that live here, which I call the Crew, are companion animals. Their purpose is to “BE”. I don’t milk Molly the goat, I’m not butchering Alfred the steer, nor William the pig. Bella, the beautiful horse, is not for riding and the three chickens, can bless me with eggs, if they choose to, but it’s not their purpose. AND Greg, the cat, gets fed whether he gets a mouse or not. I have the animals here for myself, as I’ve always wanted to be friends with farm animals, but guests reap the rewards of my connection by having magical moments with happy animals, well mostly happy, William the pig, is a bit grumpy but when he decides to be social, he steals the show with his charming personality. At Crow Moon Healing Bed and Breakfast, you can have a “I’ve never met a cow before!” moment. UPDATE: Due to Covid-19, Crow Moon Healing has been limiting guests to one family at a time. All our spaces are cleaned after every guest rental, including disinfecting light switches, and doorknobs. We are open to serve those looking for respite while also doing our best to prevent the spread of Covid. My you and your family be well! Newsletter July 2020
“The Best Birthday Gift” I believe this morning, as I was standing in front of Bella, rubbing both sides of her neck with my gloved fingers, she embraced me. Her head had stretched out as I rubbed and then she curved it back in and I felt her breath on my lower back. There was energy exchanged and perhaps, in that particular moment, we connected on a deeper level. When I was a young girl I dreamed of being connected to animals in a way that created mutual trust. They would be my friends. Horses were in my dreams and yearnings almost as much as dogs but I felt that was too lofty of a dream for me. Here, on my 56th birthday, Bella gave me the gift of connection and friendship. I feel so blessed! At Crow Moon Healing, we celebrate connection! ****************************************************************************** June 2020 Newsletter
“Come and Be Spoiled” “You spoil that Cow!” Fred teased as he drove past on the tractor. I had answered Alfred’s mooing from the pasture gate and he barged himself through without waiting for his lead rope. I had a loose cow marching for the shade of the apple tree, teasing the goat and horse with his freedom. I allowed him his leisure for a bit until he started eating plastic wrap from the bricks for the patio. Once on the lead Alfred wouldn’t budge. He didn’t want to return to the pasture, which doesn’t have shade yet ( it’s on Fred’s emergency to- do list as soon as the hay is in.). He refused to go towards the playpen as well. Eventually with some arguing and begging I asked if he wanted to go to the barn. Alfred moved. He actually went rather quickly for a languid Jersey. At 10 am it was already hot and Alfred wanted his bed and a fan in the fly free barn. I got Alfred tucked in and walked out to discover a bleating goat and a mopey horse. I opened the gate and allowed them to leave the hot pasture without leads so as to not show favoritism to the cow. Molly steadily walked to the barn, waited for me to open the gate, hopped on her throne and got herself ready for a long nap. Bella, with little help, walked in her stall. I positioned a fan on her as well as Alfred and Molly. Hours later in the heat of the afternoon Alfred and Bella welcomed a sponge bath, but not Molly, I didn’t both to even ask her. The goat is not a bather. They waited out the heat for six hours before wanting to venture out. I heard the horse calling and knew what she was wanting. I took a break from helping Fred with hay to support Bella in returning to the pasture with her friend Molly. Alfred was content staying in his playpen. I don’t believe any one of my animal friends are spoiled but rather I’m an attentive hostess. A Moo, a grunt, a neigh, a bleat, a meow or a cluck are not random sounds but are attempts at communication. I’m receptive and easily trained. If I treat my animals with such care and attention, doing my best to serve their needs, you can trust that I support bed and breakfast guests with the same attentiveness. At Crow Moon Healing Bed and Breakfast I spoil my guests! |
AuthorKaren Mcintosh - Crow Moon Healing Owner & Operator, Shamanic Healer, Reiki Master. Archives
August 2020
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