This is a beautiful post, Lisa. I'm feeling supported today by all the evidence of life outside my window: the tender green of spring, the circling turkey vultures, robins pecking in the grass, even the stinkbugs somehow making their way through my screens.
Before I moved into my new home, some of the best grieving I did was walking in a favorite park in my (now previous) neighborhood, leaning my cheek against the scratchy bark of the tall pines, feeling them holding me as I felt the anticipatory loss of their company. I really can't think of any sturdier source of support than those majestic, wise arboreal wizards. However, as I unpacked books after my move, I felt fortified at the sight of those beloved books that have been with me through thick and thin for decades of life. I heard my mother's voice, repeating what her father told her: "you will always have a friend in a book." So true.
Thank you so much for sharing this, Keith! I hope you’ll soon find new tree pals where you live. About a year ago, I moved almost all of my books into my bedroom. Now when I wake up in the morning, I can turn way to see a wall of beloved books or the other way to see my friend the Silver Maple. It’s a nice way to start each day!
What is helping me connect? Why, your words right here! A moment to breathe, and thank all the trees I've leaned on. Thanks too for the David Whyte poem, one I didn't know. His accounting of the supporters made me smile: "You must note / the way the soap dish enables you, / or the window latch grants you freedom." Obviously my own list of supporters isn't long enough! :-)
Thank you so much, Priscilla! I love that poem, too. Once we begin including soap dishes and window latches among our supporters, the list becomes very long, eclectic, and amusing!
My children constantly support me, in ways that are such a mind-eff because care support is such a grind! But when I breathe and see what’s in front of me, the light in their eyes is so real and star-filled…I lapped up this love song to your tree (and those back bends!!) Honestly, I would not be sane without trees, they have caught and given back to me so many of my songs 💞💞 I am also trying to lean on books again for support. After a stressful move my mind has been unable to settle for long periods but I’m trying to work up its muscles again…
Resonant, as ever. I’m reading the Hidden Life of Trees now. Highly recommend.
I LOVE THE HIDDEN LIFE OF TREES!!!
Of course you do!
Your writing - amazing
Thanks, sweetheart!
This is a beautiful post, Lisa. I'm feeling supported today by all the evidence of life outside my window: the tender green of spring, the circling turkey vultures, robins pecking in the grass, even the stinkbugs somehow making their way through my screens.
Before I moved into my new home, some of the best grieving I did was walking in a favorite park in my (now previous) neighborhood, leaning my cheek against the scratchy bark of the tall pines, feeling them holding me as I felt the anticipatory loss of their company. I really can't think of any sturdier source of support than those majestic, wise arboreal wizards. However, as I unpacked books after my move, I felt fortified at the sight of those beloved books that have been with me through thick and thin for decades of life. I heard my mother's voice, repeating what her father told her: "you will always have a friend in a book." So true.
Thank you so much for sharing this, Keith! I hope you’ll soon find new tree pals where you live. About a year ago, I moved almost all of my books into my bedroom. Now when I wake up in the morning, I can turn way to see a wall of beloved books or the other way to see my friend the Silver Maple. It’s a nice way to start each day!
What is helping me connect? Why, your words right here! A moment to breathe, and thank all the trees I've leaned on. Thanks too for the David Whyte poem, one I didn't know. His accounting of the supporters made me smile: "You must note / the way the soap dish enables you, / or the window latch grants you freedom." Obviously my own list of supporters isn't long enough! :-)
Thank you so much, Priscilla! I love that poem, too. Once we begin including soap dishes and window latches among our supporters, the list becomes very long, eclectic, and amusing!
My children constantly support me, in ways that are such a mind-eff because care support is such a grind! But when I breathe and see what’s in front of me, the light in their eyes is so real and star-filled…I lapped up this love song to your tree (and those back bends!!) Honestly, I would not be sane without trees, they have caught and given back to me so many of my songs 💞💞 I am also trying to lean on books again for support. After a stressful move my mind has been unable to settle for long periods but I’m trying to work up its muscles again…
I love what you wrote - "when I breathe and see what's in front of me" - that's the essential, life-giving, and so-easy-to-forget part, isn't it?
Trees and books. I would be lost without them! Thank you for sharing your experiences, Kara!
❤️👌