These sacred texts are my islands of calm, dear Chloe. They tether my sanity on gossamer threads, as did the osprey that I watched yesterday morning, his magnificence sunbathing in the 36 degree heat here in Florida on the corner of the hotel roof, as did the fish crows rising and swooping and gathering and delighting in the stormy winds of late afternoon that I watched from our hotel window. I hope that your pain is abated soon, and the island expands to abate the storm. Long may Acorn reign, long may the fox cub enjoy the raspberries xx
So grateful for you, my dear. And so happy your sanity was strengthened by the sunbathing osprey--and so glad that he had such a faithful witness, as did the fish crows and the stormy winds. Long may they, and you, know peace and sanity 💛 xx
Watching Acorn take the last step and first flight, towards who he is meant to become, listening to your soft whispers of encouragement, your barely audible quiet joy spoken in velvet breaths, Acorn responding in kind, innately knowing what you are asking him to do. It is an illuminating scene. Moments of pure joy. A visual interpretation of the beautiful gift I have just received from my cherished friend;
“Whether truly relating to our beloved dead,
a peaceful island hand,
the grass outside a suffocating classroom,
or a Fox cub blinking in the sun:
we must find a place that doesn’t hurt,
and from there, relate to the pain.”
On repeat: “find a place that doesn’t hurt and from there…”♥️
I wish you could have seen my face as he was having those first few moments of semi-grown-up wild Wren-dependence. I was like a little kid the first time they go to Disneyland, all enchantment and wonder. I’m just in awe of him and his innate genius. It was so gorgeous the way he hung out on the edge, at the threshold, for a little bit. Tentative, but gaining confidence at light speed, and then eventually a quick, bright trumpet of a goodbye before diving deep into the Conifer. We have four Conifers to the side of the garden, and we put Acorn in the one which we’ve never seen our other Wren use, but they’ve since both been seen darting in and out of various conifers to the rose bush (at the front of The Fortress) and back. Acorn even braved the Apple tree which, given the amount of Goldfinches and Blue Tits that hang out in there, is exceptionally courageous… I am so proud ♥️
Our lovely cat passed away this week; & I've found, previously and again now, that when you lose a loved pet, every animal reminds you of them, no matter the species. So it was extra beautiful & quite moving, to watch this tiny bird confront the freedom suddenly offered, and then plunge up, into it. Thankyou.
Beatutiful and breath-taking:and what a difference this wuld make to the world :"we must find a place that doesn’t hurt, and from there, relate to the pain."
Dear Chloe, your words of beauty and natural wisdom go perfectly with this rainy day in my little village in the Croatian hills (no bus would ever even try...). Sharing the gratitude with the big, blue, and willow tits, nuthatches, and all the others, big and small, for the liquid coolness from above, I sense and resonate with what you bring from your journeys below, and all is balanced and silent in this place with no pain. Then, I saw Acorn ascend to his conifers and cried. Thanks
My friend, thank you. It’s so nice to picture you there, in the hills, with your winged friends. Acorn and I joining you all, for a moment, pain free and so very grateful.
Hi Chloe, Acorn — King of the conifer 🙏. I must say, I am a tad horrified by the 'digital resurrection' — I must be under a rock, as this is the first I have heard of it. How our humanity and relationship with the world would prosper in the knowing acceptance that death is a portal, a doorway into another room of being. I also loved the image of the little fox cub squinting in the sun. ❤️ 🙏
I hear you, it’s…troubling. And yet, merely another symptom of the prolific disconnect from the beautiful and enchanted truth of things that so much of our species seems to be suffering from. Acorn and the cub seem to remember though, thankfully ❤️
Chloe, I am further healed by your gentle reflections this morning, listening here with you know who. I know that I will return to your words throughout my Sunday.
Stay well, my friend. My deepest thanks and best wishes.
My dog, Izzie, and I go out before bedtime every night for her close of day necessities. Of late, I’ve discovered a quite compact spider, centered on its web. Being below my usual line of sight I rely on my headlamp to spot it before I blunder through its web. So far I’ve not had to offer apologies for such a catastrophe.
I so enjoyed the Fox cub’s visits to monitor the ripening of Raspberries. I read this as a metaphor for the days of my youth (like the Fox cub), tasting possibilities for my life ahead. Some failed to ripen.
David’s help, not unlike a messenger angel, to find a place on your body that did not hurt was transformative for me. Owing to extreme osteo-arthritis and withering of my quadriceps I’ve lived in constant pain for years. I would never have thought to conduct a full body scan to find a “no hurt” spot! Opportunities abound.
To be certain, Chloe, I am very much looking forward to “The Deep End” later this month. With any good fortune I hope to learn that knees devoid of cartilage is not Death! And more smiling is possible. As we go forward in our respective lives, I want to wish you peace and comfort always.
Izzie! Gary, am I safe in assuming that Izzie is the gorgeous being in the middle of your profile picture? She’s heavenly. Please scruff her from me. Bless you for keeping an eye out for your neighbours webs. I love your cub metaphor! Honestly, that cub… he makes everyone melt. He’s so perfect, he looks like a watercolour.
I’m so happy to know that you found David’s advice helpful. He suffered extraordinary pain for many years following a hit and run, so he’s well versed. I’m sorry that you need to use it at all, but I hope it comes in useful. And more smiling? Always possible. Always. Especially when Izzie exists…
How wonderful that you spotted Izzie in my profile picture! I can’t remember the last time anyone commented on my profile picture?!
Beth, on the left, is my wife. A natural artist from childhood, a degree in journalism, and presently oversees a peer support program at a large, local facility. She and a co-worker screen and hire those with at least two years in recovery from addiction or mental health problems. They, in turn, provide guidance to others in a wide area to find their way to recovery. Along the lines of AA and NA, wherein identification with peer support staff (WOW! This woman has had experiences much like mine and speaks the same “language”) serves as a bridge to making life changes.
I could go on…and already have. The “Gary” in the profile picture alludes to my fun loving side. I had not in fact stepped on a chestnut burr when the image was captured.
David’s advice is indeed helpful. Years of excruciating pain? Just awful to hear of. I need to sharpen my focus on areas of my body that offer a “not pain” locus. Just now Izzie lies by my side, a common configuration. At 11:00 am this morning I’ll be taking part in a writing group, led by a woman distance runner. She’s completed two 50-mile runs over rough, mountainous terrain and has her eyes on a 100-mile event. Hers is a story of transcendence! She’s an inspiration to me, as are you. Thirty goldfinches was it? A sighting to treasure for a lifetime. Peace.
Wonderful, as always. As a therapist, I've found that my clients often gain some measure of comfort from my frequently tentative but confident assertion that those we love can never again be taken from us once they are dead.
It was truly hellish for my brain. And very confusing to watch other people understand it, with ease. As for the driver, I wish you could see our lanes, and how big this bloody coach was. Everyone that gathered was tilting their heads as to how he’d managed to get to where he did, he would have had to reverse the best part of a winding, narrow mile, and a line of irritated cars had already formed behind him. I can, in a way, see why he thought he might die there…
Wishing you the greatest luck on your quest, Joshua!
Wise words as always. I love the way you think and process and that you share it with the world. The world in general needs what you share and I personally certainly do. Thank you!
These sacred texts are my islands of calm, dear Chloe. They tether my sanity on gossamer threads, as did the osprey that I watched yesterday morning, his magnificence sunbathing in the 36 degree heat here in Florida on the corner of the hotel roof, as did the fish crows rising and swooping and gathering and delighting in the stormy winds of late afternoon that I watched from our hotel window. I hope that your pain is abated soon, and the island expands to abate the storm. Long may Acorn reign, long may the fox cub enjoy the raspberries xx
So grateful for you, my dear. And so happy your sanity was strengthened by the sunbathing osprey--and so glad that he had such a faithful witness, as did the fish crows and the stormy winds. Long may they, and you, know peace and sanity 💛 xx
Watching Acorn take the last step and first flight, towards who he is meant to become, listening to your soft whispers of encouragement, your barely audible quiet joy spoken in velvet breaths, Acorn responding in kind, innately knowing what you are asking him to do. It is an illuminating scene. Moments of pure joy. A visual interpretation of the beautiful gift I have just received from my cherished friend;
“Whether truly relating to our beloved dead,
a peaceful island hand,
the grass outside a suffocating classroom,
or a Fox cub blinking in the sun:
we must find a place that doesn’t hurt,
and from there, relate to the pain.”
On repeat: “find a place that doesn’t hurt and from there…”♥️
I wish you could have seen my face as he was having those first few moments of semi-grown-up wild Wren-dependence. I was like a little kid the first time they go to Disneyland, all enchantment and wonder. I’m just in awe of him and his innate genius. It was so gorgeous the way he hung out on the edge, at the threshold, for a little bit. Tentative, but gaining confidence at light speed, and then eventually a quick, bright trumpet of a goodbye before diving deep into the Conifer. We have four Conifers to the side of the garden, and we put Acorn in the one which we’ve never seen our other Wren use, but they’ve since both been seen darting in and out of various conifers to the rose bush (at the front of The Fortress) and back. Acorn even braved the Apple tree which, given the amount of Goldfinches and Blue Tits that hang out in there, is exceptionally courageous… I am so proud ♥️
Proud mama bird♥️
Our lovely cat passed away this week; & I've found, previously and again now, that when you lose a loved pet, every animal reminds you of them, no matter the species. So it was extra beautiful & quite moving, to watch this tiny bird confront the freedom suddenly offered, and then plunge up, into it. Thankyou.
Maria, I’m so very sorry for your loss. I’m glad Acorn offered something beautiful (as is his tiny way). Thank you.
Beatutiful and breath-taking:and what a difference this wuld make to the world :"we must find a place that doesn’t hurt, and from there, relate to the pain."
I find we often either frantically or mindlessly do the first part as a means to avoid the essential second part ❤️🩹
Yes! The second part is key! In my experience, solely doing part one only leads to more pain, eventually...
I quite agree, Jan. Thank you so much.
Dear Chloe, your words of beauty and natural wisdom go perfectly with this rainy day in my little village in the Croatian hills (no bus would ever even try...). Sharing the gratitude with the big, blue, and willow tits, nuthatches, and all the others, big and small, for the liquid coolness from above, I sense and resonate with what you bring from your journeys below, and all is balanced and silent in this place with no pain. Then, I saw Acorn ascend to his conifers and cried. Thanks
My friend, thank you. It’s so nice to picture you there, in the hills, with your winged friends. Acorn and I joining you all, for a moment, pain free and so very grateful.
Hi Chloe, Acorn — King of the conifer 🙏. I must say, I am a tad horrified by the 'digital resurrection' — I must be under a rock, as this is the first I have heard of it. How our humanity and relationship with the world would prosper in the knowing acceptance that death is a portal, a doorway into another room of being. I also loved the image of the little fox cub squinting in the sun. ❤️ 🙏
I hear you, it’s…troubling. And yet, merely another symptom of the prolific disconnect from the beautiful and enchanted truth of things that so much of our species seems to be suffering from. Acorn and the cub seem to remember though, thankfully ❤️
In love with your naming of Acorn! Long live the King! 🪹🙌🪶🌲🍃
I thank you. And equally appreciate your own name.
Chloe, I am further healed by your gentle reflections this morning, listening here with you know who. I know that I will return to your words throughout my Sunday.
Stay well, my friend. My deepest thanks and best wishes.
Thank you, both, for listening. Makes me so happy to know you listen together. All thanks and scruffs.
My dog, Izzie, and I go out before bedtime every night for her close of day necessities. Of late, I’ve discovered a quite compact spider, centered on its web. Being below my usual line of sight I rely on my headlamp to spot it before I blunder through its web. So far I’ve not had to offer apologies for such a catastrophe.
I so enjoyed the Fox cub’s visits to monitor the ripening of Raspberries. I read this as a metaphor for the days of my youth (like the Fox cub), tasting possibilities for my life ahead. Some failed to ripen.
David’s help, not unlike a messenger angel, to find a place on your body that did not hurt was transformative for me. Owing to extreme osteo-arthritis and withering of my quadriceps I’ve lived in constant pain for years. I would never have thought to conduct a full body scan to find a “no hurt” spot! Opportunities abound.
To be certain, Chloe, I am very much looking forward to “The Deep End” later this month. With any good fortune I hope to learn that knees devoid of cartilage is not Death! And more smiling is possible. As we go forward in our respective lives, I want to wish you peace and comfort always.
Izzie! Gary, am I safe in assuming that Izzie is the gorgeous being in the middle of your profile picture? She’s heavenly. Please scruff her from me. Bless you for keeping an eye out for your neighbours webs. I love your cub metaphor! Honestly, that cub… he makes everyone melt. He’s so perfect, he looks like a watercolour.
I’m so happy to know that you found David’s advice helpful. He suffered extraordinary pain for many years following a hit and run, so he’s well versed. I’m sorry that you need to use it at all, but I hope it comes in useful. And more smiling? Always possible. Always. Especially when Izzie exists…
How wonderful that you spotted Izzie in my profile picture! I can’t remember the last time anyone commented on my profile picture?!
Beth, on the left, is my wife. A natural artist from childhood, a degree in journalism, and presently oversees a peer support program at a large, local facility. She and a co-worker screen and hire those with at least two years in recovery from addiction or mental health problems. They, in turn, provide guidance to others in a wide area to find their way to recovery. Along the lines of AA and NA, wherein identification with peer support staff (WOW! This woman has had experiences much like mine and speaks the same “language”) serves as a bridge to making life changes.
I could go on…and already have. The “Gary” in the profile picture alludes to my fun loving side. I had not in fact stepped on a chestnut burr when the image was captured.
David’s advice is indeed helpful. Years of excruciating pain? Just awful to hear of. I need to sharpen my focus on areas of my body that offer a “not pain” locus. Just now Izzie lies by my side, a common configuration. At 11:00 am this morning I’ll be taking part in a writing group, led by a woman distance runner. She’s completed two 50-mile runs over rough, mountainous terrain and has her eyes on a 100-mile event. Hers is a story of transcendence! She’s an inspiration to me, as are you. Thirty goldfinches was it? A sighting to treasure for a lifetime. Peace.
I love that little Fox testing the ripeness of the berries. Thank you for this image.
You’re so welcome. It brings me endless joy and relief.
Thank you Chloe, your words are like bathing in that golden light…
Touch grass and breathe, be in beauty, all that is, is unborn and undying.
I’m grateful to share this all that is forever, I’m glad to hear your voice always.
Sandy, thank you, so much, and always. You are golden light. You’re on my mind, friend.
Wonderful, as always. As a therapist, I've found that my clients often gain some measure of comfort from my frequently tentative but confident assertion that those we love can never again be taken from us once they are dead.
Graham, I love this. Thank you so much for sharing it.
A course on Logic -- Yikes -- logic only for algorithmically-driven robots. I know what you mean. I did A-level maths.
I'm wondering why the bus driver didn't reverse. Different logic.
A place that doesn't hurt? Now there's a quest worth pursuing. I'll start with the creative process, and plumb deeper.
Thank you again for a wondrous post. Best regards, Josh.
It was truly hellish for my brain. And very confusing to watch other people understand it, with ease. As for the driver, I wish you could see our lanes, and how big this bloody coach was. Everyone that gathered was tilting their heads as to how he’d managed to get to where he did, he would have had to reverse the best part of a winding, narrow mile, and a line of irritated cars had already formed behind him. I can, in a way, see why he thought he might die there…
Wishing you the greatest luck on your quest, Joshua!
Wise words as always. I love the way you think and process and that you share it with the world. The world in general needs what you share and I personally certainly do. Thank you!
Thank you, Penny! I’m most grateful to you for reading…
The video of acorn gave me a feeling of hope, in a world where evil seems to thrive.
I’m sure he’ll be thrilled to know that he offered that out. I know I am ❤️
Prayers for your comfort. Great writing- as usual. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much, MaryRuth