0 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.

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

0 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.

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

0 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.

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

0 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.

Detail: Ask Baba Yaga: Am I Watching Too Much Television?

0 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.

Detail: Ask Baba Yaga: How Can I Avoid Drama?

0 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.

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

0 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.

Detail: Ask Baba Yaga: Should I Be Less Shy?

0 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.

Detail: Ask Baba Yaga: How Can I Create Stability?

0 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.

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

0 Ask Baba Yaga: How Can I Make Peace With Death?

Ivan Ivanov-Vano, The Magic Lake, 1979

A big, and often scary, topic today: our personal D-day. How do you deal with it's inevitability? It's rare to find a completely satisfactory answer but I have to admit I'm curious as to what Baba Yaga has to say (as long as it's more than "it's gonna happen, deal with it - or don't. It's gonna happen...").

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

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

Um. Wow. All those metaphors of bread and body, bread representing basic living, bread being symbolic of life.. they're all flooding back to me in a new way. That makes it seem so simple to death with the idea of mortality.. which I guess it is. It just isn't necessarily easy. I have to go pay better attention to my loaf(ing).

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.

Detail: Ask Baba Yaga: How Can I Make Peace With Death?

0 Ask Baba Yaga: How Do I Find The Strength To Stay Open, Energized, And Authentic?

Cover illustration for The Sugar House by Rose Bailey - artist Rachel Kahn

The letter to Baba Yaga below isn't mine, the problems aren't mine, yet I have the very same question nonetheless: when you keep trying and trying and trying and there feels like no forward motion with the things you're working on (be it habits, demeanor, "resolutions" or particular projects) how do you stay strong?

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

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

Ah - this answer is just so perfect for me as I try to create a new - and better - balance after the unkind year that was 2014. "...let wishes gather around you... sit with the crumbs... be for a while a poor queen, but a queen nonetheless." I'm going to try to do this exact thing. Thank you Baba!

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.

Detail: Ask Baba Yaga: How Do I Find The Strength To Stay Open, Energized, And Authentic?

0 Ask Baba Yaga: I'm Hiding in Whiskey, Where Has My Spine Gone?

Baba Yaga's Garden by Naomi Johanna Nowak

So the title says "whiskey" but this could be just as true a concern - and advice - for anyone indulging themselves in what they know to be an unhealthy manner, (and that includes cookie dough overdosing, shopping addiction, doormatting, Netflix bingeing, as well as any booze, sex or drug related habits), wishing they would just get it together but wondering where their will  - or their old self - has gone...

As someone who constantly struggles with finding her creative self through many mediums, with a tendency of giving everything else priority (not always bad but it's also a habit so...), I REALLY like what Baba Yaga says in reply.

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

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

Excellent. Still requires a double dose of will power but they do say often the first step is the hardest, don't they? (I guess this is the "lash it to you" bit!) 

I sincerely love the idea of myself as "brash and fiendly" though. What a powerful, liberating image!

And if I just remember those skulls lighting up the Baba's fence, that should be a good incentive for the needed follow-through...

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.

Detail: Ask Baba Yaga: I'm Hiding in Whiskey, Where Has My Spine Gone?

0 Ask Baba Yaga: Am I Actually Better Than Everyone Else or Just Extremely Arrogant?

Baba Yaga 1966 by Blair Lent (aka Ernest Small)

I'm just going to leave this one here... I will say one thing: Baba Yaga always knows what to say!

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

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

"..take a stroll..."  
She said it extremely nicely, all things considered (no "eat you own teeth so you are more aware of your smile" or anything), but then she could see the scared one inside. 

(I'm still kind of surprised Baba Yaga didn't make "grind your bones" noises but maybe the sound of the person doing that to themselves was more than enough for the Yaga.)

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.

Detail: Ask Baba Yaga: Am I Actually Better Than Everyone Else or Just Extremely Arrogant?

0 Ask Baba Yaga: How Can I Tell the Difference Between Prestige and Personal Satisfaction?

Cover of  Russian Fairy Tales (minus text) by Marie Avril

When you are boosted by a sense of achievement, how do you know if what you feel has anything to do with your true happiness? Where is the right conjunction of happiness and success for you? I vaguely recall someone telling me that's part of what you're supposed to figure out during your lifetime, but I wasn't satisfied with that then and even less so now. Baba Yaga puts all that aside and hones in on the Real...

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

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

"..find & name yr hungriest wolves..." "..keep them all strong, not starving.."  

Oh dear. Well that explains a lot. *checks bite marks all over* 

I believe I have some wolves to go feed ASAP. (Now where did I put that wolf food? O.o )

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.

Detail: Ask Baba Yaga: How Can I Tell the Difference Between Prestige and Personal Satisfaction?

0 Ask Baba Yaga: How Do I Keep From Dwelling on the Love I Haven't Had?

Baba Yaga's House by Nonobot

Just a taste and you will crave it always... at least, that's how it seems. What do you say to someone who feels like this (other than give them a hug and hide all sharp objects)? Baba Yaga knows.

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

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

Know your empty place... Wow. I wish I'd heard that when I was younger. Just like an earlier commenter wrote on the original post:

• I want to wallpaper my walls with Baba Yaga answers. (ktbean)

YES!

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.

Detail: Ask Baba Yaga: How Do I Keep From Dwelling on the Love I Haven't Had?

0 Ask Baba Yaga: Are People Judging Me Because I'm Single and Childless?

"She Has Curious Habits." by Dave Crosland
Created for the Hellboy 20th Anniversary Show on Friday, May 2, at Hero Complex Gallery.

In reality, there are so many version of this question: Why don't you have more than one child? Why don't you get remarried? Why don't you join a (whatever) club so you have more friends? But the thing is, even if you're generally outgoing you'll sometimes find ways you're isolating yourself, but is that a bad thing? Should we worry about it? Baba Yaga, who knows a lot about being alone, as always chimes in with some gritty goodness.

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

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

There's always something freeing when I'm told, "it's OK to be you". And I couldn't be more glad that it's Baba Yaga who is saying it this time. It doesn't just apply to introvert-types either.

And as Regina Phalange wrote at the original posting:

This is lovely. And it's useful advice even for people like me - people who are emphatically NOT happiest when alone, but who are currently alone.

Thank goodness. I'll be dancing my own dance overthen (and if you hear the music, you are welcome to join me).

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.

Detail: Ask Baba Yaga: Are People Judging Me Because I'm Single and Childless?