Biography: Barbara Simila

In spring, summer, and fall, my husband and I live on the basaltic shoreline of Lake Superior in the far northern Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  We live a simple life.  Our log camp was built by my husband's brother after log-building school: one large room down, large loft up. The cabin is constructed of enormous poplar logs.  We have a 'point' in the lake, and a pump to draw water, except for drinking.  We use a Sun-Mar composting toilet. Our sauna building is separate.  It is a place of peace, relaxation, meditation, and lovely music.  We use wood to fire the sauna, as is the tradition among the peoples of Finnish descent.  My grandfather was a Sami who lived as a serf on a Russian estate until he escaped and came to America.  This indigenous connection keeps me close to Mother in all her forms, but most especially in the absolute majesty and power of Mother Water and the creatures who draw close to us.  In winter, we live in a little town of about 250 people.  We walk, snowshoe and 'Black Bart', the official record keeper in Delaware has recorded over 250 inches of snow so far; we live like hobbits in tunnels of white.  Our home in town, filled with books and love, is just across the road from the woods.  It is old and 'original'...105 years without a 'remodel',  original woodwork and glass.  A solace and comfort to us. I say our souls have been drawn together to help to usher in the Dwapara Yuga by radiating Hope and Light to the world.  This is a planetary enterprise and each day more people begin to awaken.  We are riding the currents of the Great Wind...........I am overjoyed to be among you.