A Soft Belonging

💫 Excerpt from the Grove
From Elowen’s Awakening

My eyes opened slowly, blinking away sleep. Everything around me shimmered gently, painted in shades of dawn. Where was I? My heart quickened with a flutter of uncertainty, but deeper down something stirred—warm, welcoming, powerful. This place wasn’t strange; it was a memory forgotten, a song I once knew by heart.

I sat up carefully, feeling small among the towering plants, their leaves like gentle giants leaning in to greet me. In the distance, a river giggled softly, flowing as if singing to itself. Its voice tugged at me—insistent, sweet, and familiar.

From the gentle shadows stepped a woman bathed in golden dawn, her presence gentle but mighty, like sunlight through morning mist. Her eyes, bright yet ageless, watched me warmly.

“Welcome, Elowen Sagebelle,” she said softly, her voice like music woven of wind and earth.

Elowen Sagebelle. The name resonated through me, at once new yet familiar—like hearing your name whispered from far away, echoing through a dream.

“I am Mother Franca,” she said gently, extending a hand toward me. “You are finally home.”

🌻 A Note from Aunt C’Anna

Hi wildflowers,

This week’s prompt touches something tender in me. As I walked alongside Elowen’s story, I paused and asked: When have I ever truly felt at home?

After all this time, my honest answer is this:
It’s with my husband.

He’s my solid ground when my thoughts are swirling like wind. He doesn’t need to speak loudly—his calm presence reminds me I’m safe, grounded, and seen.

In the Grove, I’m the marigold—bright, always reaching for the sun, maybe a little scattered in the wind. And he’s the oak. Steady. Rooted. The one who holds space for me to bloom.

📝 Writing & Drawing Prompt
“Describe a moment when you felt at home. Was it a place, a person, or a feeling?”

You can write it, draw it, or just think it. You don’t have to be perfect—Essence Grove is where we grow together.

🌱 If you’d like to share, send it to essencegrovecollective@gmail.com
🌸 Let Aunt C’Anna know if it’s okay to post it in the Grove or on social media. First names only or anonymous is totally welcome.

📣 Let’s Grow Together
Is there something you’d like to see more of in Essence Grove? A new story? Character? Activity? Something gentle or exciting or simply comforting?

Tell me what your heart needs. The Grove is built on listening.

With sunshine and soft roots,
🌼 Aunt C’Anna