Once upon a time…
… an artist and storyteller was born into a creative family that lived in a magical home in Western Canada.
That is where I began this lifetime. My father was a photographer who worked as an accountant, my mother created stories and toys to nurture our magical imaginations. My older sister’s destiny was to be a musician and storyteller as well as a nature conservationist.
Looking back, our parents were ahead of their time in the teachings they brought into our lives. We learned about nature, cultural diversity, gardening, and the importance of connection with our grandparents.
My sister and I were blessed with three living grandparents. Nana lived next door with a large magical yard and a garden that our family took care of. Grandma and Grandpa had a larger yard in a small town by a lake, a combination of our family and our uncle’s family helped them out as they needed it.
Early on I was enchanted by magical beings and animals. My preferred reading was various fairy tales, fantasy, science fiction and eventually ancient archeological mysteries.
Photo of Cara exploring rocks in a lake.
Photographer Oskar K. Skutle
Creative evolution ….
At some point I began to sew doll clothes and stuffed animals, those first pieces were very rough and clumsy.
Over the years my skills improved and I expanded on what I created.
Art classes and language arts classes were my favourites because I enjoyed the creative process.
My sewing skills were developed through Home Economics projects.
I also loved music although my skills in that area are now mainly enjoyment of my favourite artists and sometimes creating art inspired by the music.
After high school I chose to attend Grant MacEwan Community College studying Fine Art and then Fibre Art.
Following college I successfully launched my own clothing artist career under my label
“Cara Skutle”.
It quickly became apparent that being on the edges of the fashion industry was not the place for me.
After I stopped my art clothing creating, I started making quilts.
The quilts combined assorted fabrics and painted images.
For fun I have made some fantasy costumes and have done an occasional commission.
Collages intrigued me and I made a series of them exploring my life.
Sometime in 1984-85 an idea had come to me to create a tarot deck.
This seed would eventually evolve into The Soul-Pet Deck.
My creative journey continues in many different ways creating for my own purposes.
Metaphysical evolution (with a side of music)…
After I had finished college my fascination with the mysteries of the metaphysical world boldly jumped forward.
Even from the early years my reading reflected my future fascination with the metaphysical realm.
There was never a real discussion about things mystical and magical, yet in subtle ways it was a normal part of our lives.
Around 1984-85 I started studies into hypnosis, human potential, assorted forms of metaphysics and personal growth.
My foundational mentors are Richard (Dick) Sutphen, James Wanless and Lynn V. Andrews, I’ve had the fortunate blessing to meet and study with each of them.
Mentor Honourable Mention: Ken Knutson. The artist that worked with James Wanless in creating The Voyager Tarot.
Always curious, I heard about Anthony Robbins and went to see him as well as attend his recorded seminars at a local franchise.
Special Note: I met my husband at the first seminar at the franchise.
When opportunities to attend various personal growth seminars come up I attend either alone or with my husband.
Through the years this has included;
Richard (Dick) Sutphen, James Wanless, Lynn V. Andrews, Tony Robbins,
Sonia Choquette, Rosemary Altea, Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer, Colette Baron Reid, and Gregg Braden.
Meanwhile, I continue with muses, musings and meanderings on this magical Camino called LIFE!
Mentors and Teachers along my journey.
Richard Sutphen and Roberta Sutphen
Sedona, AZ. 2013
James Wanless.
Red Deer, AB. 2015
Lynn V. Andrews.
Calgary, AB. 2015
Tony Robbins.
Vancouver, BC. 1995
Aaron Paquette
Edmonton, AB. 2014
A side of music…Favourite Musical Artists that are part of my journey.
Tona Ohama
Calgary, AB. 2018
Terry Gowan (with The Beatlemaniacs in 2014)
Disney Magic Cruise Ship,
North Atlantic Ocean. 2014
Larry Gowan
Toronto, ON. 2013
Alan Marks (darkroom)
Edmonton, AB. 2018
Jim Gray (darkroom)
Edmonton, AB. 2014
Soul-Pet evolution…
My view and experience is that we all have Soul-Pets, the same concept as a soul mate except that it is some form of animal that accompanies us throughout our lifetimes.
My main Soul-Pet has been with me in five separate incarnations in this life time. First was Mrs. Black who arrived to the family before I did.
The second incarnation, Minoos is the one that first inspired me to write about the wonderful love of pets. The third incarnation, Jelilorum taught me about recognizing and taking part in the process of connecting and
reconnecting before, during and after transition. Number four, Little Schmoo sent many messages of love and
reassurance as well as an extraordinarily specific “look for me here” message to find number five.
Currently journeying with me is number five… Simba Starwalker.
Mrs. Black
Minoos
Jelilorum
Little Schmoo
Simba Starwalker