I am glad to be able to resume my following of this inspirational story. And while some parts are similar to other people’s daily experiences, you have captured that experience with so much attention to detail (both around and within you) that it can’t help but yield to story. I enjoyed following your story, which now appears like a kind of Homeric journey with all the impediments, surprise revelations, and return of “fire,” as it were.
To answer your question about how my work was shaped during this collective season of “giving up all the other worlds except the one to which you belong.” I would certainly submit the line from the poem you shared. The year of Covid was a darkness that canceled my first plans for our wedding, a major year for teaching, included two major deaths of loved ones, but from that darkness was birthed my first collection of poems ruminating over that difficulty, and eventually, my idea for my current novel, not to mention the beginning of our gardening journey. We lost a lot that year, and from the gathering darkness, we discovered more life from it. And we used that life we found to honor the lives we lost.
I remember when you made those pastries; you should definitely make again soon! I love the picture of us painting, building the fort, flying the kite and the pastries. I agree with Dad on the picture of you fishing and dropping the fish, I think “What if I always was so delighted by what I can’t control?” is perfect for that picture and really goes along with it.😄
Thanks for sharing! The kiddos building the fort, the French pastries, and the fishing picture are some of my favorites. "What if I was always so delighted by what I can't control?"...I love that line. It's so true and such a good perspective. ☺️
1. The fishing photo is my new favorite of you and I shall add it to my Kristine contact.
2. Your words are poetry.
3. You inspire me.
That critical time of upheaval for us all was a breaking open and shattering of relationships I held close, but also a time where my own little family joined hands and became something new entirely. I am thankful for those days now, but in the midst of them, I wasn’t sure I’d make it. Thank you for offering me a moment to reflect on that, I did not realize I needed to ♥️
It really was a turning point for so many relationships, and I’m so grateful for how you guys came through. I’m glad it gave you a moment to reflect on the unexpected gift of that time, even in what was heartbreaking. ✨
what a great photo! I love how it mirrors the leaping you've made in the midst of leaning into some dark nights on the ark (or arc, perhaps). I felt quite similar to you during that season, not as a postpartum mom, but a burned out caregiver watching my mother in love slowly fade into cancer. Between that, and the year that followed, words that once helped halted very quickly. I'm just beginning to feel the thaw these days, and am encouraged reading this that good things can grow. :) Keep writing friend. I love reading. 🖤
Oh friend, I do hope you continue to feel the thaw. I know that was a very hard and grievous couple of years for you, but you have kept the light burning, even when it hasn't felt like it, and I'm so very thankful for that.
First I have to say, I love the photo of you fishing. It's pure joy. And those pastries-wow! They look amazing. To answer your question-during the shut down my husband and I walked outside, a lot. I also took the time and finished my first novel. I was home, I couldn't see my kids or grands, so I buckled down and wrote. I can't imagine if I had children at home. My daughter not only had her kids at home, she also had to teach her first graders online. It was a time of challenge, for sure. I'm thankful you found your rhythm and that your hubby is so supportive. Mine is too. Take care and keep writing!
Thank you Penny! I love that you got that time with your husband and your work, but I'm sure that was very hard to not be with your children and grandchildren. The teachers at home with their own children learning distantly (or just home in general) deserve so many accolades I couldn't even begin to count. And yes - I wouldn't have kept going through any of these things were it not for him!
I am glad to be able to resume my following of this inspirational story. And while some parts are similar to other people’s daily experiences, you have captured that experience with so much attention to detail (both around and within you) that it can’t help but yield to story. I enjoyed following your story, which now appears like a kind of Homeric journey with all the impediments, surprise revelations, and return of “fire,” as it were.
To answer your question about how my work was shaped during this collective season of “giving up all the other worlds except the one to which you belong.” I would certainly submit the line from the poem you shared. The year of Covid was a darkness that canceled my first plans for our wedding, a major year for teaching, included two major deaths of loved ones, but from that darkness was birthed my first collection of poems ruminating over that difficulty, and eventually, my idea for my current novel, not to mention the beginning of our gardening journey. We lost a lot that year, and from the gathering darkness, we discovered more life from it. And we used that life we found to honor the lives we lost.
I love that so much grew for you, even still, when there was so much loss. I am sorry for those you lost, but you are doing such honor to them. ✨
I remember when you made those pastries; you should definitely make again soon! I love the picture of us painting, building the fort, flying the kite and the pastries. I agree with Dad on the picture of you fishing and dropping the fish, I think “What if I always was so delighted by what I can’t control?” is perfect for that picture and really goes along with it.😄
🥰 I know it was a big shift for you as well, coming home during 2020. I hope it’s a season you look back on with more good memories than bad 🤪☺️
I am enjoying following your journey over these past few years. You are one resilient woman. ❤️
Thank you for reading, Jolina! ♥️
Thanks for sharing! The kiddos building the fort, the French pastries, and the fishing picture are some of my favorites. "What if I was always so delighted by what I can't control?"...I love that line. It's so true and such a good perspective. ☺️
Thank you! ♥️
1. The fishing photo is my new favorite of you and I shall add it to my Kristine contact.
2. Your words are poetry.
3. You inspire me.
That critical time of upheaval for us all was a breaking open and shattering of relationships I held close, but also a time where my own little family joined hands and became something new entirely. I am thankful for those days now, but in the midst of them, I wasn’t sure I’d make it. Thank you for offering me a moment to reflect on that, I did not realize I needed to ♥️
It really was a turning point for so many relationships, and I’m so grateful for how you guys came through. I’m glad it gave you a moment to reflect on the unexpected gift of that time, even in what was heartbreaking. ✨
what a great photo! I love how it mirrors the leaping you've made in the midst of leaning into some dark nights on the ark (or arc, perhaps). I felt quite similar to you during that season, not as a postpartum mom, but a burned out caregiver watching my mother in love slowly fade into cancer. Between that, and the year that followed, words that once helped halted very quickly. I'm just beginning to feel the thaw these days, and am encouraged reading this that good things can grow. :) Keep writing friend. I love reading. 🖤
Oh friend, I do hope you continue to feel the thaw. I know that was a very hard and grievous couple of years for you, but you have kept the light burning, even when it hasn't felt like it, and I'm so very thankful for that.
🖤🖤🖤
First I have to say, I love the photo of you fishing. It's pure joy. And those pastries-wow! They look amazing. To answer your question-during the shut down my husband and I walked outside, a lot. I also took the time and finished my first novel. I was home, I couldn't see my kids or grands, so I buckled down and wrote. I can't imagine if I had children at home. My daughter not only had her kids at home, she also had to teach her first graders online. It was a time of challenge, for sure. I'm thankful you found your rhythm and that your hubby is so supportive. Mine is too. Take care and keep writing!
Thank you Penny! I love that you got that time with your husband and your work, but I'm sure that was very hard to not be with your children and grandchildren. The teachers at home with their own children learning distantly (or just home in general) deserve so many accolades I couldn't even begin to count. And yes - I wouldn't have kept going through any of these things were it not for him!
Thank you so much Maria!