Ask Baba Yaga: How Can I Live With Such A Large Rat?

Vasilissa Most Lovely by Robin Jacques

Although today's question appears fairly specific, there are many variations on this theme - and Baba Yaga's answer gives food for thought (and perhaps explains a thing or two).

Today's timely question and answer (via poet and oracle Taisia Kitaiskaia* of The Hairpin):

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

"...nightly gnawings at the heart." That does explain why under certain circumstances it can be so difficult to sleep. 

Wishing you all rat free rest this weekend.

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

There's now an email address where you can send your questions

directly to Baba Yaga herself.

AskBabaYaga AT gmail DOT com

To encourage Baba Yaga to continue imparting her no-bones-about-it wisdom (ok, there may be some gristle in there... bones too), I suggest we not to leave her box empty... 

Thank you Baba Yaga (& Taisia).

* Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet, writer, and Michener Center for Writers fellow. Born in Russia and raised in America, she's had her poems and translations published in Narrative Magazine, Poetry International, and others.

Ask Baba Yaga: How Do I Form Female Bonds?

Maiden, Mother, Crone by Cate Simmons aka  SteeringForNorth (Baba Yaga, Rapunzel? & Little Red Riding Hood)

I thought I'd post a maiden, mother, crone pic today since it's Mother's Day. (Happy Mother's Day mamas!)

Female familial (and other) relationships can be so complicated it seems - a theme that's explored a lot in fairy tales via extremes (you can see a board I put together HERE of Motherhood in fairy tales - Frau Holle has her own board, as does Baba Yaga, of course). Despite how independent we can be, there comes a time when you realize, hey - it'd be GREAT to have a girl to talk to right now! But how do you get back into that groove when you've been swimming your own way for so long?

Today's timely question and answer (via poet and oracle Taisia Kitaiskaia* of The Hairpin):

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

Oh my goodness - ravenous wounds! What a great description. I have to say, my dearest friends are those who stand beside me and not opposite me as we go through things. So: no more wound stingers!

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

There's now an email address where you can send your questions

directly to Baba Yaga herself.

AskBabaYaga AT gmail DOT com

To encourage Baba Yaga to continue imparting her no-bones-about-it wisdom (ok, there may be some gristle in there... bones too), I suggest we not to leave her box empty... 

Thank you Baba Yaga (& Taisia).

* Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet, writer, and Michener Center for Writers fellow. Born in Russia and raised in America, she's had her poems and translations published in Narrative Magazine, Poetry International, and others.

Ask Baba Yaga: How Can I Feel My Feelings?

House of Baba Yaga by Georgy Podshibyakin

Distancing yourself from your feelings is generally a survival mechanism - which is a good thing. But there should come a time when you realize you should be 'feeling your feelings' again. Apart from the prospect being downright scary for some people, how do you begin the process? Baba Yaga has a great way of looking at it.

Today's timely question and answer (via poet and oracle Taisia Kitaiskaia* of The Hairpin):

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

Feelings as stormy clouds... Yes, this is helpful. Still going to take a whole lot of courage to walk up to those not-bison! 

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

There's now an email address where you can send your questions

directly to Baba Yaga herself.

AskBabaYaga AT gmail DOT com

To encourage Baba Yaga to continue imparting her no-bones-about-it wisdom (ok, there may be some gristle in there... bones too), I suggest we not to leave her box empty... 

Thank you Baba Yaga (& Taisia).

* Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet, writer, and Michener Center for Writers fellow. Born in Russia and raised in America, she's had her poems and translations published in Narrative Magazine, Poetry International, and others.

Ask Baba Yaga: How Do I Get Over the Shame I Feel For My Work?

So You Want To Be A Hero by Neil Billings

Oh man. All that stuff you want to leave off your resume because you wish it wasn't a part of making who you were... what to do about those big ones that take lots of time and used lots of your effort (and will leave suspiciously large holes in your CV if they're omitted)? And what if they're in your "right now" instead of your past?!

This week's question and answer (via poet and oracle Taisia Kitaiskaia* of The Hairpin):

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

Will it really get smaller the further away I get? I know that's physics, but my brain does weird things like replaying loops of embarrassment... How do you, essentially, type 'The End' and let it be THE end? I guess the real question is: how do you stop giving life to it? Perhaps my problem is that I am carrying pebbles in my shoes and don't even realize it...

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

There's now an email address where you can send your questions

directly to Baba Yaga herself.

AskBabaYaga AT gmail DOT com

To encourage Baba Yaga to continue imparting her no-bones-about-it wisdom (ok, there may be some gristle in there... bones too), I suggest we not to leave her box empty... 

Thank you Baba Yaga (& Taisia).

* Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet, writer, and Michener Center for Writers fellow. Born in Russia and raised in America, she's had her poems and translations published in Narrative Magazine, Poetry International, and others.

Ask Baba Yaga: What If The Person I Love Doesn't Want To Marry Me?

Baba Yaga by Emre Ohren (part of a series you can see HERE)

My first thought on seeing the questions was: well, I'm married, so this doesn't apply to me - but really, it does. We would all probably do a lot better if all our major decisions that were made with someone else, were considered from Baba Yaga's unique perspective.

Today's question and answer (via poet and oracle Taisia Kitaiskaia* of The Hairpin):

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

That's profound. So much of life - and how you react to it, what you choose to do - depends on how you see the world, the situation. Having to navigate any part of an important journey (marriage, babies, getting pets, moving house or cities, changing careers, renovation... the list goes on), with someone who can't see magic - or potential (or joy) - in the things you can, makes the road lonely, and lacking in resting places. When you essentially live in different worlds, despite being side by side, you can never relax and feel safe and known. Good words. I will have to find a way to ask "How do you see this portal?" and keep Baba's advice in mind. 

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

There's now an email address where you can send your questions

directly to Baba Yaga herself.

AskBabaYaga AT gmail DOT com

To encourage Baba Yaga to continue imparting her no-bones-about-it wisdom (ok, there may be some gristle in there... bones too), I suggest we not to leave her box empty... 

Thank you Baba Yaga (& Taisia).

* Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet, writer, and Michener Center for Writers fellow. Born in Russia and raised in America, she's had her poems and translations published in Narrative Magazine, Poetry International, and others.

Ask Baba Yaga: Should I Put Out The Fire In My Belly?

Baba Yaga and Vasilissa by Marisa Firebaugh

So this is a tricky one: you finally come in to your element, only to find you're burning people. What to do?

Today's question and answer (via poet and oracle Taisia Kitaiskaia* of The Hairpin):

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

Baba Yaga (companion piece) by Marisa Firebaugh

Hm. This might take a while.Maybe I should ask my friends to wear flame retardant clothing while I'm in training...

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

There's now an email address where you can send your questions

directly to Baba Yaga herself.

AskBabaYaga AT gmail DOT com

To encourage Baba Yaga to continue imparting her no-bones-about-it wisdom (ok, there may be some gristle in there... bones too), I suggest we not to leave her box empty... 

Thank you Baba Yaga (& Taisia).

* Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet, writer, and Michener Center for Writers fellow. Born in Russia and raised in America, she's had her poems and translations published in Narrative Magazine, Poetry International, and others.

Ask Baba Yaga: How Can I Be Happy For My Ex?

The Spring (Baba Yaga and the Wolf) - by Tin Can Forest

Ex's are weird: ex-partners, ex-friends, ex-co-workers - anyone whom you spent a significant portion of your time, energy and care on but is no longer in your life, can really make you wonder why you were so easy to move on from. And are you less now because they have?

Today's question and answer (via poet and oracle Taisia Kitaiskaia* of The Hairpin):

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

"The black puddle where he left his paw print..." whoa. Isn't that so much like everyone you've cared for who's moved on and seemingly forgotten about you? I have to remember to "drink" the remembrance that I helped them be who they are, as much as they did me. Those 'cubs' grown with their teeth. I'm glad I helped them grow. I'm glad they are not here to bite me. Thanks Baba Yaga.

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

There's an email address where you can send your questions

directly to Baba Yaga herself.

AskBabaYaga AT gmail DOT com

To encourage Baba Yaga to continue imparting her no-bones-about-it wisdom (ok, there may be some gristle in there... bones too), I suggest we not to leave her box empty... 

Thank you Baba Yaga (& Taisia).

* Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet, writer, and Michener Center for Writers fellow. Born in Russia and raised in America, she's had her poems and translations published in Narrative Magazine, Poetry International, and others.

Ask Baba Yaga: How Can I Get Over the Fear That This One Physical Feature Makes Me Look Grotesque?

RAGANA YAGA. New label coming soon for a new beer from Seventh Son Brewing Co. by Mike Moses

Self image - I haven't met many people who don't have some issues with it, and I've met a LOT of people who hate mirrors. It doesn't matter if the feature really is grotesque or not, if you get caught off guard by your reflection in a bad way when you're otherwise feeling just fine, it can change your entire day - or the direction you're taking in a key decision.This is a question I'm very curious to hear Baba Yaga's answer for.

Today's question and answer (via poet and oracle Taisia Kitaiskaia* of The Hairpin):

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

I think I'm going to need a little time to mull over this one and just what that ink pool is for me personally. What I want to know now is, how do I 'step through the glass to glimpse other Sights'?

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

There's now an email address where you can send your questions

directly to Baba Yaga herself.

AskBabaYaga AT gmail DOT com

To encourage Baba Yaga to continue imparting her no-bones-about-it wisdom (ok, there may be some gristle in there... bones too), I suggest we not to leave her box empty... 

Thank you Baba Yaga (& Taisia).

* Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet, writer, and Michener Center for Writers fellow. Born in Russia and raised in America, she's had her poems and translations published in Narrative Magazine, Poetry International, and others.

Ask Baba Yaga: How Can I Help People Who Resent Me?

Baba Jaga by Alicja Marczyk

Oh boy, yes. How do you keep trying and doing your best for people when they not only don't seem to care or appreciate what you're doing, but actually attack you as well? There are only so many times you can say to yourself "it's not about me - this is about them and their unhappiness.." but then what do you do?

Today's question and answer (via poet and oracle Taisia Kitaiskaia* of The Hairpin):

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

Wow. Those kids are going to be her supper if they don't shape up! 

So: keep your white robe (or hat) on and make sure it's clean (and shiny) before descending into the morass of the masses... You are making a difference, even if you do not see it... And remember: Bog Queen! 

Huh. That actually does help.

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

There's now an email address where you can send your questions

directly to Baba Yaga herself.

AskBabaYaga AT gmail DOT com

To encourage Baba Yaga to continue imparting her no-bones-about-it wisdom (ok, there may be some gristle in there... bones too), I suggest we not to leave her box empty... 

Thank you Baba Yaga (& Taisia).

* Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet, writer, and Michener Center for Writers fellow. Born in Russia and raised in America, she's had her poems and translations published in Narrative Magazine, Poetry International, and others.

Ask Baba Yaga: How Can I Be Myself In a Place That I Hate?

Baba Yaga, Ivachko and the Bears - Artist Unknown

For a dancer I know whose feet are currently frozen in place and for another dear friend who is far, far from home. You both know who you are. Sending courage from my heart to yours and a little support from one whose home has feet of its own...

Today's question and answer (via poet and oracle Taisia Kitaiskaia* of The Hairpin):

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

You can survive this and your stories will be fierce. And free. And strong. (And I'm saving a bottle of bubbly especially for that phone call I get when you both let me know you are finally Home.)

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

There's now an email address where you can send your questions

directly to Baba Yaga herself.

AskBabaYaga AT gmail DOT com

To encourage Baba Yaga to continue imparting her no-bones-about-it wisdom (ok, there may be some gristle in there... bones too), I suggest we not to leave her box empty... 

Thank you Baba Yaga (& Taisia).

* Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet, writer, and Michener Center for Writers fellow. Born in Russia and raised in America, she's had her poems and translations published in Narrative Magazine, Poetry International, and others.

Ask Baba Yaga: Am I Watching Too Much Television?

Baba Yaga and Vasilisa the Brave by Kinuko Craft

That glowing siren call of the modern age... so many shows, so little time.

Today's question and answer (via poet and oracle Taisia Kitaiskaia* of The Hairpin):

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

TV as a golden egg.. interesting concept. Both valuable and invaluable at the same time. Is she saying concentrating on it solely will only give you a cracked, half life? That you cannot truly appreciate the gold - or even discern the gold - unless you live your life and do other things too? Clearly Baba Yaga is very aware of TVs addictive properties though. 

Stories are wonderful in every form but some mediums have more impact than others. When it comes to TV, sometimes that's gold, sometimes it's just something shiny in your eye, blocking your vision.

I agree wholeheartedly. (But I still wish we could afford HBO - not that I would have time to watch it...)

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

There's now an email address where you can send your questions

directly to Baba Yaga herself.

AskBabaYaga AT gmail DOT com

To encourage Baba Yaga to continue imparting her no-bones-about-it wisdom (ok, there may be some gristle in there... bones too), I suggest we not to leave her box empty... 

Thank you Baba Yaga (& Taisia).

* Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet, writer, and Michener Center for Writers fellow. Born in Russia and raised in America, she's had her poems and translations published in Narrative Magazine, Poetry International, and others.

Ask Baba Yaga: How Can I Avoid Drama?

Baba Yaga by Vania Zouravliov

Oh yes. I need to hear some advice on this one too please Baba Yaga.

Today's timely question and answer (via poet and oracle Taisia Kitaiskaia* of The Hairpin):

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

The way one enjoys their tea can be so telling. Too bitter, too sweet - I'm picky, I know. Perhaps that's why my circle of true confidantes is so small. I'm known as a coffee connoisseur but I can enjoy a cup of tea too if I can take some time with it (tea always feels like it needs ceremony, even a small one, to me). It just needs to be good for me not to be left with an nasty after-taste. I guess this tells me I should be looking at the tea leaf tales left in a cup I make; one of my own choosing, rather than a random cup thrust at me. Baba Yaga seems to suggest having your own brew bubbling at the ready, just in case. That sounds like some sensible, practical advice I can actually follow. Snow Monkey Plum anyone?

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

There's now an email address where you can send your questions

directly to Baba Yaga herself.

AskBabaYaga AT gmail DOT com

To encourage Baba Yaga to continue imparting her no-bones-about-it wisdom (ok, there may be some gristle in there... bones too), I suggest we not to leave her box empty... 

Thank you Baba Yaga (& Taisia).

* Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet, writer, and Michener Center for Writers fellow. Born in Russia and raised in America, she's had her poems and translations published in Narrative Magazine, Poetry International, and others.

Ask Baba Yaga: What Do People See In My Boredom?

by Alice Dieudonne

Hm. Being bored is one of the problems I don't usually have... unless I'm being forced to sit in a place I don't want to be for a long time, so maybe I can find a useful nugget in this one too.

Today's timely question and answer (via poet and oracle Taisia Kitaiskaia* of The Hairpin):

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

Oof. Well that's a wake-up call. I'm going to give that some serious consideration next time I stuck in a chair at some meeting or other. I do not like the idea of stagnating, brain-rot, zombie-fication... not even a little bit!

I'm also beginning to think my 'random illustration choice' for the day isn't so random. I put it in the post before I read the letter... 

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

There's now an email address where you can send your questions

directly to Baba Yaga herself.

AskBabaYaga AT gmail DOT com

To encourage Baba Yaga to continue imparting her no-bones-about-it wisdom (ok, there may be some gristle in there... bones too), I suggest we not to leave her box empty... 

Thank you Baba Yaga (& Taisia).

* Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet, writer, and Michener Center for Writers fellow. Born in Russia and raised in America, she's had her poems and translations published in Narrative Magazine, Poetry International, and others.

Ask Baba Yaga: Should I Be Less Shy?

Baba Yaga's House by Boris Dimitrovski

Ah - when extroverts do not get introverts! It's a standard complaint of the quiet one, being seen as sad, sad little people... (not so!). But even though we know it's normal, the looks get to us after a while (the imply we are "less than") and we start to wonder, "should I do something about it?"

Today's timely question and answer (via poet and oracle Taisia Kitaiskaia* of The Hairpin):

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

Oh good point.. it's not about me at all and I do not need "fixing". I'll be over here, not talking... probably reading... or writing... or contemplating the mysteries of the universe. And I'll be happy too.

Baba Yaga by Boris Dimitrovski

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

There's now an email address where you can send your questions

directly to Baba Yaga herself.

AskBabaYaga AT gmail DOT com

To encourage Baba Yaga to continue imparting her no-bones-about-it wisdom (ok, there may be some gristle in there... bones too), I suggest we not to leave her box empty... 

Thank you Baba Yaga (& Taisia).

* Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet, writer, and Michener Center for Writers fellow. Born in Russia and raised in America, she's had her poems and translations published in Narrative Magazine, Poetry International, and others.

Ask Baba Yaga: How Can I Create Stability?

Baba Yaga for Sketch Dailies by Daisy Spiers in style of Jan Pienkowski

Today's question and answer (via poet and oracle Taisia Kitaiskaia* of The Hairpin):

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

I'll admit, it took me a couple of reads to feel comforted by this, maybe because Baba Yaga's answer describes the inherent exhaustion and seeming transformation to insubstantiality so well. What I take from this is that it's OK to transform, that sometimes it's necessary to survive. We tend to think of transforming to something frog-like as devolving, a negative thing, but sometimes what's needed are those odd-looking "jellied feets" that let you stand on silt...

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

There's now an email address where you can send your questions

directly to Baba Yaga herself.

AskBabaYaga AT gmail DOT com

To encourage Baba Yaga to continue imparting her no-bones-about-it wisdom (ok, there may be some gristle in there... bones too), I suggest we not to leave her box empty... 

Thank you Baba Yaga (& Taisia).

* Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet, writer, and Michener Center for Writers fellow. Born in Russia and raised in America, she's had her poems and translations published in Narrative Magazine, Poetry International, and others.

Ask Baba Yaga: How Do I Get Rid Of A Demanding Work Ethic?

Baba Yaga by James Schultz

How to have a guilt-free break, rest or, even, more difficult a REAL vacation? That tug of "still much more to do", never quite goes away and today, as I'm about to leave to go on a mini-vacation with my family (the first in about a decade) I find myself more worried about all the "to-do's" than the potential wonderful time, (even though it will be a busy one that I don't really have a chance of looking lazy while doing). 

I both wondered and dreaded what Baba Yaga would have to say about it, especially as she's known for giving almost-impossible tasks to those asking for her help, like she's about to do with Vasilissa above. Inspired by the way Baba Yaga's house is giving the girl a "leg up" in the image here, I decided I'd swallow my dread and and see what she had to say about it. As it turns out, someone recently asked a similar question...

Today's timely question and answer (via poet and oracle Taisia Kitaiskaia* of The Hairpin):

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

We know making magic takes hard work but I often forget about that brewing, hatching and baking time... Point taken.

In fact, you know what? Rather than spent my last minutes working like crazy, I'm going to commit myself to being in the 'golden afternoon' with my family as we prepare for our trip. So you probably won't see news from me until later in the week but I will be back - probably tired but hopefully I'll have some 'gold' to share as well. ;)

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

There's now an email address where you can send your questions

directly to Baba Yaga herself.

AskBabaYaga AT gmail DOT com

To encourage Baba Yaga to continue imparting her no-bones-about-it wisdom (ok, there may be some gristle in there... bones too), I suggest we not to leave her box empty... 

Thank you Baba Yaga (& Taisia).

* Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet, writer, and Michener Center for Writers fellow. Born in Russia and raised in America, she's had her poems and translations published in Narrative Magazine, Poetry International, and others.