It’s hard to find the words to capture the beauty in the emergence of spring so long awaited and the darkness of human conflict, but you do so, dear Susie. So eloquently and beautifully. Art is, indeed, a way of holding hands in communal acquiescence of our visceral need despite everything. I reach out my hand, palm open, to yours, and all here who feel the same, and grasp the battered remnants of sanity through squabbling robins and mirabelle plum blossom and the tips of heron wings. Sending love x
Oh Em, bless you and your kind response. I feel like we are all fighting in one way or another at the moment. It’s a terrible thing to open our screens to see nothing but black smoke, buildings turned to rubble, the fear and utter horror caused by those images… it’s hard to erase, to see beyond. I am so grateful to you too, and many others for joining the circle of kind and supportive hands in solidarity.
Here’s to all those squabbling robins and blossom flying in the spring breezes like hope eternal. May petals and wings all fly in your direction… they carry my love and hugs.. xx
I share your dilemma and dismay, Susie! It is a LOT to live alongside, and especially terrible when it is one's own nation that is one hundred percent in the wrong, one hundred percent of the time, as it destroys all it can as quickly as possible, including our treasured relationships with others. It is a nightmare! Millions of us are doing what we can in hopes we can stop this crazy train. To survive with souls intact. I am so glad you are *creating anyway* because we need those homes for loveliness and solace that we make for ourselves and others, to protect what is most precious. Thank you. Hold what you love close, my dear. xo
Dearest Carmine, I cannot quite imagine having to live alongside this craziness as you and the rest of your country are having to do. I feel desperate for you, I want to hug each of you in turn and tell you I understand that you are not part of the lunacy, only unwilling bit parts in the nightmare. I know, you are doing all you can, we all do, don't ever think otherwise.
We too are praying... we are praying that when that crazy train, already out of control, finally crashes as surely it will, the fallout is small because already the cost to humanity is tragic.
I am holding on to hope and love and peace with you dear one, always! xx
Thank you beautiful... I hope that sensor is fixed, you are absolutely amaze balls! I'd look at the problem, probably swear a little then cry a lot and call my son... xx
My midwife used shepherd's purse tincture on me when I hemorrhaged after giving birth... I will always be grateful to that little plant. And those heart seeds... beautiful video.
Thank you Mary Beth, Shepherds purse has always been a spring plant I have felt overlooked and ignored.
When I was much younger journeying the hippy trail in Ireland, I helped with the birth of a friends' first son. It took place in a bender with a small pot bellied stove to provide hot water and candles gave us gentle light to welcome the baby. We used essential oils to ease painful contractions and had herbs both dried and fresh ready in case of need, shepherds purse was one of them, though thankfully not needed.
I love that you had a midwife who knew this herb, you were blessed.
Mmerikani posted this quote from Mr. Rogers recently: “There are millions and millions of people doing wonderful things all over the world, and they’re generally not the ones being touted in the news.” You’re one of them, Susie, because you warm our hearts during some very cold days.
What a very beautiful thing to read Louise, thank you so much, you've made my day even more beautiful than it already is!
Now I am thinking about that quote... I wonder how long these conflicts would continue if they weren't headline news? I wonder how long Mr T would continue his lunacy if it weren't glorified by endless news clips and videos?
Just a thought...
Sending spring hugs from a beautiful morning on my hill lovely... I am imagining you are beautifully awash in cherry blossom 🌸🍃xx
God's beautifully created nature reminds us to not despair. Each season is a reminder of change, dependant and crucial for a mutual existence despite the evil machinations of mankind. I believe we are spirits living in human bodies in a world where there will always be suffering, a fight between good and evil. We prevail by choosing light, happiness and love rippling outward from our heart, soul and mind feeding those trapped in darkness and fear. I know this passing stage will not last long. Your beautiful spirit of kindness, compassion and love is vital to those of us Light Warriors who refuse to give into darkness. Sending you love, light and joy my Sweet Susie.
Hello my beautiful SS, I love your response, I love that you see the light in us despite the darkness we must battle through.
I agree, there has always been suffering, there has always been war. Some say, there has never been a time when somewhere, someone has not been at war, perhaps we are genetically programmed to fight? Perhaps we literally don't know any better? But how foolish, how utterly absurd that after all these thousands of years we haven't learnt better when we are supposed to be the most intelligent of all creatures.
I will never understand war, not ever... we will talk next week darling, tell me when?
Until then I am sending you back love and light in bundles! xxxx
I will let you know sometime this week when it's a good day to call. Susie, it's not a lack of intellect that human beings engage in war with evil forces rather a lack of understanding using their heart, compassion and respect for all living beings. Our species worship power and money and you're right, it's genetic. We are a fallen people based on the Bible. I do believe it can be restored but it takes a great deal faith in our Creator and immense amount of Will within the Collective of spiritual light. Big hugs and love.
Dearest Susie, you express the kind of hope that Renée Eli writes about over here, the kind that isn’t something we “have” but is an organic part of all life becoming. I don’t know if you read her, but I read you both back-to-back today so I’m closing the circle and now sharing with you. ❤️
Darling Kimberly, you made my day! To be mentioned in the same sentence as our dear and beautiful friend Renée, whose writings I adore and could only ever dream of realising in such eloquent and deep understanding is an unqualified honour. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Spring hugs to you beautiful 💚xx
Hello Kay, thank you so very much for reading, huge apologies for my belated reply — a chaotic week ran away with every spare minute!
I think we all need as many hands as we can hold during this craziness. Just to keep a modicum of sanity in our heads, to listen and feel the encouragement offered freely and with love, to feel free enough to continue on our creative journeys, despite feeling trapped by feelings of guilt and shame for doing so. It is so important... in the darkness, I think I lost sight of this beautiful circle of light we carry. The hearts in the meadows showed me the way again though... 💚
I love the line about the robins, Susie. The weather here is mostly dry and fine so I don't need wellies to go out to enjoy the spring in the nearby parks and botanical garden.
HI Jeffrey, thank you, here too we have had an incredible start to spring—to good to be true some might say—so in the end I too have no need for wellies! A relief...
I just clicked the link and find 'wind flower' a name I have fallen in love with instantly and of course, they are so like our own wood anemones which are carpeting the lowlands now... I am sure you know them!
You and your wellis make a difference Susie. Thank you. A beautiful and mournful post, yet still uplifting us. Love the Shepherds Purse gently blowing in the breeze. Warmest wishes across the oceans. xx💛
Hello beautiful, I am emerging, slowly, from ten days of utter chaos... health, work, family obligations... whoever said life slows down as you age, lied!
So a belated thank you, the shepherds purse is one of my favourite wild spring flowers—all those hearts blowing in the breeze have to be a good thing right!
Sending love and hugs back on a beautiful spring breeze... 💚xx
'Art in all its diverse and beautiful forms is calming, healing even, and, perhaps even more importantly, a way of holding hands in communal acquiescence of our visceral need(s) despite everything.'
I, too, find 'that all the words and poems and stories I want to write are swirling somewhere in the in-between.' So for now I am painting in my journal, painting over words that I've written last year, that I do not want to read or see anymore. Painting more joyous things...mostly to ease the mind. Our world needs art, writing, nature to remind us that there still is beauty out there, and to give our haemorrhaging minds (and world) a wee bit of respite. Thank you, Susie, for this essay and for being there with words that help.
''If people long to create a better world, then we must use our platform to nurture imagination - hopeful ideas, fresh alternatives, belief that the way things are isn't the way things need to be.''
Hi Jeannine, you too? There really is something so very debilitating about this particular moment in time isn't there? A solid wall greets us no matter which way we turn, I feel like I am lost in a labyrinth of horrors. But, I have found my wellies, they have no holes, the sun is shining and here you are, with this beautiful community of supportive and amazing people, holding my hand as I do yours in return.
We can do this! We can look past—not ignore—the cruelty and the madness and still, in the light that shines beyond it, hold on to our beliefs and our joys!
Katherine Viner says to 'nurture imagination, hopeful ideas, fresh alternatives' I love that thank you, I will be repeating those words often!
Take care dear one, I hope spring has sprung for you too — I am sending you a huge virtual hug. xx
I feel the same. Usually there's time to process after one atrocity before the next one knocks you down again but these days there's a tsunami of inhumane idiocy, but tsunamis come in waves and even this vileness will pass. I've also found it hard to write and I agree with you about art, but for now just knowing your good heart is beating down there on the hill is enough for me. Thank you my friend.
A belated hello my friend, the week has been crazy...
It's crippling isn't it! There seems to be no escape route other than taking the hand of anyone or anything that offers it. Me, I just want to hide out here on my hill and pretend the tsunami isn't happening, unfair and unrealistic, I know... and it doesn't help either me or anyone else. So here I am, just, feeling shaky but smiling my thanks for sharing your own good heart. I hope your weekend is kind Jonathan, blind to the horrors and filled only with the joys of the first day of spring!
What you write, photograph, post makes a difference. When the doubts creep up, I look for thoughtful, artful, gentle reminders. And I think, "Hold on, hold on!" because all of this has a cycle. It will come to an end and when people need reminders of what the world can be and what they want it to be again, they will look for hope, they will seek answers in writing, art, photography like this. This post was like a soft prayer with a warm cup of tea.
Ahh Carol, you have made me believe that in the end, nothing is in vain if we believe in each other and the power of holding on thank you, so much 🙏🏼
And, when you say "This post was like a soft prayer with a warm cup of tea." you make my day just that more beautiful and that means the world to me. 💛
It’s hard to find the words to capture the beauty in the emergence of spring so long awaited and the darkness of human conflict, but you do so, dear Susie. So eloquently and beautifully. Art is, indeed, a way of holding hands in communal acquiescence of our visceral need despite everything. I reach out my hand, palm open, to yours, and all here who feel the same, and grasp the battered remnants of sanity through squabbling robins and mirabelle plum blossom and the tips of heron wings. Sending love x
Oh Em, bless you and your kind response. I feel like we are all fighting in one way or another at the moment. It’s a terrible thing to open our screens to see nothing but black smoke, buildings turned to rubble, the fear and utter horror caused by those images… it’s hard to erase, to see beyond. I am so grateful to you too, and many others for joining the circle of kind and supportive hands in solidarity.
Here’s to all those squabbling robins and blossom flying in the spring breezes like hope eternal. May petals and wings all fly in your direction… they carry my love and hugs.. xx
A deep bow for this call to live - thank you.
Fifi, thank you, these are dark days my friend but there is always, always a crack of light if we have a desire to find it.
I share your dilemma and dismay, Susie! It is a LOT to live alongside, and especially terrible when it is one's own nation that is one hundred percent in the wrong, one hundred percent of the time, as it destroys all it can as quickly as possible, including our treasured relationships with others. It is a nightmare! Millions of us are doing what we can in hopes we can stop this crazy train. To survive with souls intact. I am so glad you are *creating anyway* because we need those homes for loveliness and solace that we make for ourselves and others, to protect what is most precious. Thank you. Hold what you love close, my dear. xo
Dearest Carmine, I cannot quite imagine having to live alongside this craziness as you and the rest of your country are having to do. I feel desperate for you, I want to hug each of you in turn and tell you I understand that you are not part of the lunacy, only unwilling bit parts in the nightmare. I know, you are doing all you can, we all do, don't ever think otherwise.
We too are praying... we are praying that when that crazy train, already out of control, finally crashes as surely it will, the fallout is small because already the cost to humanity is tragic.
I am holding on to hope and love and peace with you dear one, always! xx
Aren’t poets and wellies such a beautiful combination.
I feel this, Susie.
I am practicing making that a 'thing' Holly!
"Poets in Wellies" Love it...
Thank you beautiful... I hope that sensor is fixed, you are absolutely amaze balls! I'd look at the problem, probably swear a little then cry a lot and call my son... xx
My midwife used shepherd's purse tincture on me when I hemorrhaged after giving birth... I will always be grateful to that little plant. And those heart seeds... beautiful video.
Thank you Mary Beth, Shepherds purse has always been a spring plant I have felt overlooked and ignored.
When I was much younger journeying the hippy trail in Ireland, I helped with the birth of a friends' first son. It took place in a bender with a small pot bellied stove to provide hot water and candles gave us gentle light to welcome the baby. We used essential oils to ease painful contractions and had herbs both dried and fresh ready in case of need, shepherds purse was one of them, though thankfully not needed.
I love that you had a midwife who knew this herb, you were blessed.
Mmerikani posted this quote from Mr. Rogers recently: “There are millions and millions of people doing wonderful things all over the world, and they’re generally not the ones being touted in the news.” You’re one of them, Susie, because you warm our hearts during some very cold days.
What a very beautiful thing to read Louise, thank you so much, you've made my day even more beautiful than it already is!
Now I am thinking about that quote... I wonder how long these conflicts would continue if they weren't headline news? I wonder how long Mr T would continue his lunacy if it weren't glorified by endless news clips and videos?
Just a thought...
Sending spring hugs from a beautiful morning on my hill lovely... I am imagining you are beautifully awash in cherry blossom 🌸🍃xx
Indeed. I will send you some cherry blossoms, Susie. With love from this side of our tiny planet. xx
Received with thanks dear Louise, I hope the week is gentle on you 💞
et la même pour toi, mon amie.x
Merci Louise, malheureusement je suis malade avec des symptômes suspicieusement Covidy! On verra ça! xx
Non, non! Prends bien soin de toi, d'accord? xx
Dearest Susie,
God's beautifully created nature reminds us to not despair. Each season is a reminder of change, dependant and crucial for a mutual existence despite the evil machinations of mankind. I believe we are spirits living in human bodies in a world where there will always be suffering, a fight between good and evil. We prevail by choosing light, happiness and love rippling outward from our heart, soul and mind feeding those trapped in darkness and fear. I know this passing stage will not last long. Your beautiful spirit of kindness, compassion and love is vital to those of us Light Warriors who refuse to give into darkness. Sending you love, light and joy my Sweet Susie.
Hello my beautiful SS, I love your response, I love that you see the light in us despite the darkness we must battle through.
I agree, there has always been suffering, there has always been war. Some say, there has never been a time when somewhere, someone has not been at war, perhaps we are genetically programmed to fight? Perhaps we literally don't know any better? But how foolish, how utterly absurd that after all these thousands of years we haven't learnt better when we are supposed to be the most intelligent of all creatures.
I will never understand war, not ever... we will talk next week darling, tell me when?
Until then I am sending you back love and light in bundles! xxxx
I will let you know sometime this week when it's a good day to call. Susie, it's not a lack of intellect that human beings engage in war with evil forces rather a lack of understanding using their heart, compassion and respect for all living beings. Our species worship power and money and you're right, it's genetic. We are a fallen people based on the Bible. I do believe it can be restored but it takes a great deal faith in our Creator and immense amount of Will within the Collective of spiritual light. Big hugs and love.
Let me know darling xx
✨💕✨
🙏🏼💛🎵
Dearest Susie, you express the kind of hope that Renée Eli writes about over here, the kind that isn’t something we “have” but is an organic part of all life becoming. I don’t know if you read her, but I read you both back-to-back today so I’m closing the circle and now sharing with you. ❤️
https://reneeeliphd.substack.com/p/announcing-living-in-hope?r=3lmmp&utm_medium=ios
Darling Kimberly, you made my day! To be mentioned in the same sentence as our dear and beautiful friend Renée, whose writings I adore and could only ever dream of realising in such eloquent and deep understanding is an unqualified honour. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Spring hugs to you beautiful 💚xx
Thank you for this, Susie.
I love what you say about art being a way of holding hands in communal acquiescence of our visceral needs despite everything.
I feel that this is so true and you have expressed and summed up this truth so beautifully.
I love also what you say about rebuilding what we can of harmony, making it beautiful and sharing it.
Yes, art can be calming and healing - for those who create and for those who view or read it.
So I think that to write or to take photographs in troubled times, to create if we are able to, is a valuable thing.
How lovely if we could look at the Shepherds Purse blooming as a beacon of hope, an omen.
Hello Kay, thank you so very much for reading, huge apologies for my belated reply — a chaotic week ran away with every spare minute!
I think we all need as many hands as we can hold during this craziness. Just to keep a modicum of sanity in our heads, to listen and feel the encouragement offered freely and with love, to feel free enough to continue on our creative journeys, despite feeling trapped by feelings of guilt and shame for doing so. It is so important... in the darkness, I think I lost sight of this beautiful circle of light we carry. The hearts in the meadows showed me the way again though... 💚
Hello Susie,
Please do keep those hearts in view … 💚
I’m doing my best Kay, you too 💚
I love the line about the robins, Susie. The weather here is mostly dry and fine so I don't need wellies to go out to enjoy the spring in the nearby parks and botanical garden.
These are the joys I saw today: The wind flower(Anemone flaccida). https://share.google/npCUpY2EwcxS5fedA
HI Jeffrey, thank you, here too we have had an incredible start to spring—to good to be true some might say—so in the end I too have no need for wellies! A relief...
I just clicked the link and find 'wind flower' a name I have fallen in love with instantly and of course, they are so like our own wood anemones which are carpeting the lowlands now... I am sure you know them!
https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants/wild-flowers/wood-anemone/
You and your wellis make a difference Susie. Thank you. A beautiful and mournful post, yet still uplifting us. Love the Shepherds Purse gently blowing in the breeze. Warmest wishes across the oceans. xx💛
Hello beautiful, I am emerging, slowly, from ten days of utter chaos... health, work, family obligations... whoever said life slows down as you age, lied!
So a belated thank you, the shepherds purse is one of my favourite wild spring flowers—all those hearts blowing in the breeze have to be a good thing right!
Sending love and hugs back on a beautiful spring breeze... 💚xx
'Art in all its diverse and beautiful forms is calming, healing even, and, perhaps even more importantly, a way of holding hands in communal acquiescence of our visceral need(s) despite everything.'
Beautiful, delicate writing, Susie.
(We feel it too.)
Thank you dear Sìodhna, I dont think it has ever felt quite so important to me to hold on to those hands, I am so glad yours is one of them. xx
I, too, find 'that all the words and poems and stories I want to write are swirling somewhere in the in-between.' So for now I am painting in my journal, painting over words that I've written last year, that I do not want to read or see anymore. Painting more joyous things...mostly to ease the mind. Our world needs art, writing, nature to remind us that there still is beauty out there, and to give our haemorrhaging minds (and world) a wee bit of respite. Thank you, Susie, for this essay and for being there with words that help.
''If people long to create a better world, then we must use our platform to nurture imagination - hopeful ideas, fresh alternatives, belief that the way things are isn't the way things need to be.''
Katharine Viner
Hi Jeannine, you too? There really is something so very debilitating about this particular moment in time isn't there? A solid wall greets us no matter which way we turn, I feel like I am lost in a labyrinth of horrors. But, I have found my wellies, they have no holes, the sun is shining and here you are, with this beautiful community of supportive and amazing people, holding my hand as I do yours in return.
We can do this! We can look past—not ignore—the cruelty and the madness and still, in the light that shines beyond it, hold on to our beliefs and our joys!
Katherine Viner says to 'nurture imagination, hopeful ideas, fresh alternatives' I love that thank you, I will be repeating those words often!
Take care dear one, I hope spring has sprung for you too — I am sending you a huge virtual hug. xx
I feel the same. Usually there's time to process after one atrocity before the next one knocks you down again but these days there's a tsunami of inhumane idiocy, but tsunamis come in waves and even this vileness will pass. I've also found it hard to write and I agree with you about art, but for now just knowing your good heart is beating down there on the hill is enough for me. Thank you my friend.
A belated hello my friend, the week has been crazy...
It's crippling isn't it! There seems to be no escape route other than taking the hand of anyone or anything that offers it. Me, I just want to hide out here on my hill and pretend the tsunami isn't happening, unfair and unrealistic, I know... and it doesn't help either me or anyone else. So here I am, just, feeling shaky but smiling my thanks for sharing your own good heart. I hope your weekend is kind Jonathan, blind to the horrors and filled only with the joys of the first day of spring!
The sun has come out. That's enough.This weekend will be filled with joys :)
What you write, photograph, post makes a difference. When the doubts creep up, I look for thoughtful, artful, gentle reminders. And I think, "Hold on, hold on!" because all of this has a cycle. It will come to an end and when people need reminders of what the world can be and what they want it to be again, they will look for hope, they will seek answers in writing, art, photography like this. This post was like a soft prayer with a warm cup of tea.
Ahh Carol, you have made me believe that in the end, nothing is in vain if we believe in each other and the power of holding on thank you, so much 🙏🏼
And, when you say "This post was like a soft prayer with a warm cup of tea." you make my day just that more beautiful and that means the world to me. 💛