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A Safe Place To Burn

A Safe Place To Burn

A Safe Place to Burn is a mindfulness companion and restorative journal designed as a narrative bridge for both children and adults. Created by Marguerite Apotre., this story serves as a gentle entry point into the deeper world of The Portal Tree Chronicles.

While the broader Chronicles explores more adult themes this companion book was born from a need to translate themes of survival and recovery into a digestible, sweet format. It is a meditative exercise for those navigating the aftermath of high-level abuse—a reminder that there is a place where you belong, where your light is safe, and where you can finally be sure.

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Who This Is For

This companion book is an interactive space designed for anyone—child or adult—who needs to reclaim their own narrative. It is for those who find traditional journaling too structured and prefer a place that invites raw, creative expression.

This project is for:

  • Individuals in Recovery: For those who need a safe, quiet space to paint, draw, or write their way back to a sense of belonging.

  • Art Therapists: As a foundational tool that allows clients to project their own experiences onto universal symbols.

  • Mindfulness Practitioners: For use as a “living book” where the act of interacting with the page is the meditative exercise itself.

  • Families and Schools: To foster gentle conversations about emotional safety through shared creative play.

How Communities Can Engage

A Safe Place to Burn is being developed as a licensable, multi-sensory resource. Because the iconography is intentionally simple, the book adapts perfectly to various artistic mediums—from watercolor and charcoal to digital layering and prose.

We are seeking partners who want to:

  • Facilitate Creative Workshops: Use the book as a guide for “Intentional Interaction” sessions in community centers or healing spaces.

  • Integrate into Therapeutic Programs: Utilize the blank-space design as a tool for non-verbal emotional processing.

  • Support Regional Adaptations: Explore how this simple, universal story can be localized to serve different community needs while maintaining its restorative core.

The Philosophy of the Blank Page

The vast white space above each icon is not empty; it is a clearing. It is designed for you to draw, write, paint, and interact in a way that is entirely your own. As you flip through the pages, the simplicity of the symbols acts as a mirror, allowing you to explore your thoughts and layer your own colors onto the story of the Coal and the Fire.

CONCLUSION

Thank you for spending time with the Coal and the Fire. We believe everyone deserves a home that gives strength to their light. We are actively exploring healing, educational, and licensing partnerships to help this story reach those seeking a safe place to find their way home. Use Join Us in the menu above to connect or discuss collaboration opportunities.