Ask Baba Yaga: How Can I Stop Craving Male Attention?

James Jean

Today's answer will apply equally to any group of people you find yourself trying hard to please, and be noticed by...

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

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

"Yr shawl is covered in mirrors.." How does Baba Yaga spin such succinct and vivid descriptions? Yes. Must remember this. It would apply very well to one person as well as many. Thanks Baba Yaga!

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

This is the 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 Stop Hating Everyone?

Baba Yaga by Audra Auclair

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

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

Time seems to be the answer to so many questions. The question, then, is how much? And where do you find the patience to last that long?

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

This is the 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: Is It Possible To Truly Love My Partner If I Know I Could Do Better?

Artist sadly unknown

Did you see our exciting announcement about Ask Baba Yaga this morning? If not, go back a coupe of posts. If you love this column, it will make your day.

Now, onto this week's dilemma.

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

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

I have one comment: Baba Yaga is spot on.

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

This is the 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' Is Getting Published! (And She Needs Your Help)

Vasilissa the Wise by Arantzazu Martinez

No - we're not asking for money, or anything similar. What Baba Yaga needs is your questions. Now.

It has been confirmed that oracle Taisia Kitaiskaia, has been offered a publishing deal for a published collection of Ask Baba Yaga. Here's the notice to Taisia from her agent:

And the official Publishers Marketplace announcement:

"Author of the forthcoming LITERARY WITCHES Taisia Kitaiskaia's ASK BABA YAGA, a collection of her surreal advice column of the same name for The Hairpin as well as all-new material, featuring write-in queries with responses from the perspective of a mythical Russian witch, to Allison Adler at Andrews McMeel, by Adriann Ranta Zurhellen at Foundry Literary + Media (NA)."

CONGRATULATIONS TAISIA!

Taisia has specifically asked for Once Upon A Blog readers to help out our favorite advisor by providing a wide variety of questions Baba Yaga can consider answering, to include in the new book. (!) Although she can't guarantee that every question will be answered and published, she is very keen to answer as many as she can in the time given her.

Mikhail Petrov

She's looking for 15 new questions in particular, and, as we know, first letters in, get the hungriest Baba!

Ask Baba Yaga, the book, has yet to have a confirmed release date, but we have our fingers crossed for 2017.

We'll make you a deal - if we hear via oracle-post that Once Upon A Blog readers have been eagerly sending Baba Yaga questions, we will host a giveaway contest of the volume when it is released.

Deal?

Good.

Go write up your message, send it, and we'll wait here, because we have more news to share.

Go on.

We're not going anywhere...

*whistling*

Back? OK then.

As we mentioned, that's not the only project our favorite oracle is working on. She's collaborating with friend and artist Katy Horan on a volume titled, Literary Witches, in which they've imagined canonized writers (such as Emily Bronte and Virginia Woolf) as witches. It works so well, you wonder if perhaps they might not have uncovered a long-hidden truth...

Take a look at some examples:

Amazing, no? You can see a few more examples HERE.

As far as the Ask Baba Yaga column goes, Kitaiskaia is still serving as oracle when she can, though a little less frequently at present and does hope to continue with it after publishing as well, though that all depends on how the wind, and Baba Yaga, blows at that point in time.

Mikhail Petrov

In the meantime, let's do all we can to get that collectible volume published, er, support Taisia with her expanding publishing career and help inspire her communication with Baba Yaga, by providing lots of brief, searching and heartfelt emails. And don't worry - your darkest secret questions will not have your name attached. (We should note, we would happily have Baba Yaga give us a nickname if she so preferred, as unflattering as it's likely to be.)

So, dear readers, email your questions directly to Baba Yaga herself - as soon as possible - using the address below:

AskBabaYaga AT gmail DOT com

Taisia awaits your requests and assistance in approaching Baba Yaga, for the benefit of us all.

It doesn't have to be fancy, flattering or formal - just a single sentence question is fine. Baba Yaga doesn't have much patience for more than that anyway.

Now, if you haven't already, go write your burning question - make it a good one - and hit that 'send' button ASAP. You may get your answer in permanent print!

You may be wondering: but where's our Thursday dose of advice? It's coming. Later today, this time. We wanted to be sure you saw this, and acted on it, first.

Stay tuned!

Note: we promise to provide updates on the Ask Baba Yaga volume as we get them. In the meantime, we will keep our column going for as long as Baba Yaga makes it possible.

Ask Baba Yaga: Which Direction Should I Go In?

                                                                  Baba Yaga and Zarevich from Marya Morevna by Energiaelca1

This one is for those many people who are multi-talented, Jack-(or Jill)-of-all-trades, if you will. Though it sounds great to be able to do so many different things, not being able to decide what to focus on becomes the equivalent of a hamster wheel: lots of effort, continuous motion but never going anywhere. To put more effort into trying to focus is simply overwhelming, so: what to do?

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

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

Hm. How do you let one fire, among others, get "too big", let it "threaten the forest"? Is this another definition of playing with fire? It is comforting to know that the "little fires" don't need to be abandoned though. That makes it easier to let it happen.

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

This is the 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 Forgive My Narcissistic Mother?

Alex Niño ? From United Komicks 1972

There's a reason therapists always ask about your parents - about your mother. Baba Yaga has some important words for those who had, or have, a very rough road with self-centered caretakers. 

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

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

Poisoned hats.... *shudder* No wonder some people seem so unwell and don't seem to see the world, and events, in the same way as the majority.

This sounds very much in line with "whatever you think you become". The image of a leaking black ink hat is so very vivid though. To break a cycle sometimes the right visual helps you focus on stopping that pattern and this one would be a great boost in that direction.

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

This is the 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 Trust My Body Again?

Kelpie and skull from the book Faeries illustrated by Brian Froud and Alan Lee

Health. Apart from children, it is said to be the greatest wealth we have. Most of us smile and nod, agreeing but never does this truth become so plain as when it - and your expected future years - are threatened. It doesn't have to truly be a life-threatening issue to get you to see this, only for you to wonder (made worse if your doctors are also wondering), but there is a loose end that catches when you least expect it, after having your health threatened, and that is, you are hyper aware of your body. Every twinge, ache, abnormal signal, anything that you would have shrugged off before now send the cortisol pumping through your system as you wonder: "Is 'It' back?" How do you deal with that when you are more aware than ever that ignoring your body is exactly what not to do?

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

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

You will have noticed, it's not a Baba Yaga picture at the head of this post, but a kelpie. In this case however, I don't think she will mind. I have a feeling she has an affinity for these creatures, and in the case of 'emerging beasts and drowned boats' the kelpie is a great metaphor for those panic inducing sensations. After so many people urging you to "get on with life" after a serious health battle, it's refreshing to have Baba Yaga tell you that to ignore these (kelpies and signals both) isn't helpful, but that there is more to learn and to know in your 'lake'. We just need to keep our trigger fingers off the panic button as we listen.

As a bonus for today, remember our post from some years ago titled "If Baba Yaga Were A Horse..."? We still consider this a great tribute and, with kelpies on the brain, this image felt like it wanted another airing. (You can read the original post HERE.)

Baba Yaga by ELena Davydova (Lenika86)

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

This is the 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: Is It Possible To Be Kind Without Expecting Reciprocation?

Jan Pieńkowski

Kindness. Why do people take advantage and walk over you? A better question: what should you do about it? Baba Yaga has some ideas, I'm sure.

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

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

Tend to your garden, choose your company. You think that would be obvious. But how do you identify weeds? Is it so bad to see the flowers instead? I've always believed most people have the potential to flower, to show beauty, despite themselves. And isn't a weed, often only a weed because it's not in the right environment? But maybe that's the whole problem. I'm ignoring the essential nature.

This is going to take some re-training...

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

This is the 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 Know When To Let My Heart Guide Me?

Lifelines by Peter Diamond

I have sorely missed Baba Yaga's advice and I have to admit, she was a little difficult to track down when I went to find her, as pre-arranged, to post her wisdom to the blog! And now I'm a little worried. My heart is telling me we need to put a little effort into encouraging the Baba to continue imparting her gristly yet keen advice, so if you are reading this and enjoying it, do send her a note, would you?

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

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

Regarding matters of the heart, I've found the soul heart and the physical heart are really one in the same, interconnected in that very muscle and sinew. One affects the other and it's wise to pay attention to them "both" when trying to find direction. 

Baba Yaga puts it much more viscerally and succinctly. And all I need to do is stay away from that "ugly song".

What would we do without our Baba Yaga to set us straight?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

This is the 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 Break Out Of My Hermit Shell?

Baba Yaga's Hut by Alyssa Davis

Confession: I kind of like being a hermit. Mostly. Once I gave in to the fact that my nature is to be generally drained by people, even those I truly love, and even when I've had a great time with them, I grew to greatly appreciate my alone time and revel in the space to think, research, write and create. But I can't be a hermit all the time and there are sometimes I find it frustrating too. I love working in theater and that necessitates an outgoing personality, at least some of the time, so it can be tricky to find that balance of building up enough energy to throw myself into performing or teaching, and make sure I have adequate re-energizing time afterward. There are those times, too, especially when things get rough, that you can be gone from normal social circles so long, it feels really difficult to re-enter. I almost didn't want to read the answer to this question, my shell is precious to me!, but was encouraged and relieved by what Baba Yaga had to say.

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

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

"...nibble on a green thing"! Ha - yes! And the picture of Baba Yaga's hut that I fortuitously chose for this post, before looking at the question, is perfect. That's exactly what it feels like when you perform, or teaching goes really well or people become inspired to create or do better in being with you! And it's a huge relief to know you don't have to go and do that performance the whole time either. (Notice there is no audience above to watch either - it's a private-revelry thing.) No breaking! But I can bend a little. :)

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 My Summertime Depression?

Baba Yaga's Forest by Rima Staines

I'm definitely one of those people for whom Summer is the worst time of year. I don't manage heat well, (and the 100 to 110 degree temps this last week have been a full-on physical challenge with heat-related illness - hence irregular posts sorry!), but it's isn't just being heat-sensitive that can get me down. So much sun I can find depressive (even oppressive), and, much like people who sometimes get Winter blues, I can get a Summer version, counting the days till Winter which is my most wonderful, creative and happy time of the year. I've been relieved to find out I'm not the only one but it is still difficult to know how to manage, when many people are at their most social and most motivated and you're just not up to it. What to do? Thankfully, someone else thought to ask Baba Yaga for some insight.

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

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

Yes. I need a creek. Preferably many! So if I'm not here for stretches this Summer you now know: I'm looking for a creek. (I'm not kidding.) And if I don't find a creek, at least it's not a forever state. Plus it's kind of awesome to look forward to morphing. I do love a good transformation... #fairytale101

For inspiration I've included some of the 'in progress' pics that Rima Staines shared on her blog HERE in creating this marvelous Baba Yaga's Forest backdrop for a special storytelling event with a Russian fairy tales theme in 2012. I do so adore what she and Tom Hirons are doing in their traveling 'vehicle of imagination', Hedgespoken. (The event this was created for appears to be a pre-cursor for their off-grid theater and storytelling project.)

                           
Note: If you're wondering if your feelings are due to more than just a bad day or two, know that you're not alone. There is such a thing as "Summer SAD" (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and there are things you can do to help yourself (see HERE) as well as doctors than can too. 

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 Happened To My Nightmares?

Baba Yaga the Goddess of Death by Solongo Mellecker

It's weird the things people miss, isn't it? Sometimes even bad things have a odd sort of comfort because you know yourself in that context, it's familiar, but moving beyond needing those things to define you, should be a goal, shouldn't it? But after that, who are you then?

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

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

You have to admit, shadows are intriguing, aren't they? So weird that an absence of them causes you to enjoy the 'light' less!

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.