I’m sorry you are struggling with side effects. I’m struggling with post election deep sadness. I’m going to be 71 and for the first time I’m not sure our country will change in my lifetime. I’m a 2 time cancer survivor and I’m just struggling. Your stack helps ❤️
Oh, Susan. I am so sorry to hear that you’re struggling. Perhaps it’s only change in small close groups, near and far (like those creates here), where we’ll see change—concentric circles extending farther and farther out to meet each other.
It means a lot that my stack has found you. Sending peace and warmth your way.
I know! So many metaphors and so much beauty in this one tiny video. I had been on a rather melancholic walk that morning, and seeing them brought me instant delight. It was such a beautiful reminder how much difference an instance, a connection, a perspective can make.
I'm with you both. And yet, I'm trying to hold space both for the grief and for whatever not giving in, whatever creating safety for as many possible will require.
I appreciate both of you being here and sharing what's going on for you, more than you know.
Look at them, chugging along and staying alive in a precarious world. Otters! They’re just like us! Only cuter, and nicer to each other. Be well and thanks for this, Holly.
I did all kinds of research into river otters, thinking I’d share more about them than I did here. I learned about their family systems and how they mate for life and go out on hunting excursions and have all kinds of interesting vocalizations and love to play. And I also learned they’re typically nocturnal, making this an especially rare treat. A joy to share it.
Thank you, Holly, for these flashes of beauty at a hard time. The poem reminds me of an idea I once had, to attemd a funeral every day, whether or not I knew the deceased. Funerals cn be heart-filling. They remind me of the things that matter most.
Well, Rona, that's something. Now I'm left wondering what you would title your book if you chronicled a year of attending a funeral every day. A Dead End Year? Deceased and Desist? The Afterlife Coffee Club + Lemon Square Society? My Wake Up Call?
They do, don’t they? It would be an interesting experiment to do for some designated amount of time for sure. I can’t imagine it not opening your heart in some unforeseen ways.
I know, right?! I was so completely delighted when I saw them—and my walk that morning has been one of heaviness in my heart.
I thought later about how they’re known for curiosity and play. And maybe I (maybe all of us) need not to forget to include as much as we can in our lives, regardless of what else we also must muster.
Yeah, ALOK is a master and a gem. They are a truly impressive human.
Holly…friend…you are remarkable. I am wishing there were words other than “I’m sorry” for the murkiness of health. I *am* sorry. But I’m also sad, and mad, and wishing there was more we could do to support you when the physical doesn’t align with the emotional and spiritual side of you. Maybe a safe symbol? Something that says: I’m hurting. Please don’t leave me alone.”
☯️❤️🩹🈵
Anyway, otters!! And sunset!! And that stunning poem. And you, and your heart. Any one is more than plenty. Thank you for taking care.
I can't say how perfect your support is. Honestly. This wealth and joy of response to this post has buoyed me. (As is a switch to the correct meds to treat the side effect instead of the incorrect one that was making it worse; thank the stars I listened to my instinct there. But that's a whole other story. 🤣)
Thank you, Elizabeth. I am over the moon grateful to have connected with you here.
And yay otters and sunsets and ALOK. If you don't know their work, I highly recommend. It's really wonderful.
This is what it looks like to take care if ourselves, to move out of my talking head & connect to our shared heart language. I needed that. I hope you feel better. Thank you for sharing with us. ♥️
Dear Holly, I so admire your dedication to your craft and to us readers. Thank you for those lovely videos. And for that amazing poem, which suggested a title for my novel (that begins serializing in January). 😁 Looking forward to your post that will come at just the right time. Meanwhile, wishing you peace. 🕊️🤍
I’m on ALOK’s website now — what a marvelous person and talent, so positive and joyful. Thank you for the reference. I don’t know what rock I’ve been living under.
Yeah, they are truly an amazing human. Got to see them live in Portland a few years back, and it was a truly joyous occasion. They’re doing work the world dearly needs.
I will always be happy with the gift of otters and twilight. Never apologise for having an off day or for feeling sadness. You are human. Also I'm jealous because I've never seen otters in the wild (we don't have them in New Zealand) and I didn't know they made that sound so I've watched your video so many times. You've definitely made my day.
Holly, thank you for giving us otters and sunset clouds emptying color like breath leaving life and ALOK to help us "remember | that simple fact -- that we breathe the same air and your tender place and what else?
I had planned and worked at a different piece than I posted last week, too, and at the 11th hour discerned that it was going to need to stay in the cooker, Shihab-Nye's "Kindness" all the while a steady pulse. I cannot help but wonder, reading these interconnected pieces on sorrow, about the collective 'field' we're attentive to here on Substack and that was the resounding, wordless what else?
Beloved Holly, I wish you feel relief soon. Patience, rest, and strength to you in the meantime. You'll come back to your essay when you're ready. (I've been there before.) Thank you for the otters and the sunset--how breath-taking and breath-giving.
I’m sorry you are struggling with side effects. I’m struggling with post election deep sadness. I’m going to be 71 and for the first time I’m not sure our country will change in my lifetime. I’m a 2 time cancer survivor and I’m just struggling. Your stack helps ❤️
Oh, Susan. I am so sorry to hear that you’re struggling. Perhaps it’s only change in small close groups, near and far (like those creates here), where we’ll see change—concentric circles extending farther and farther out to meet each other.
It means a lot that my stack has found you. Sending peace and warmth your way.
This is a beautiful image to work with, especially when the river otters close by, swimming and diving through their rings of concentric ripples.
I know! So many metaphors and so much beauty in this one tiny video. I had been on a rather melancholic walk that morning, and seeing them brought me instant delight. It was such a beautiful reminder how much difference an instance, a connection, a perspective can make.
Thank you for being here, Beth. ♥️
I’m open to anything at this point that makes it better ❤️
I’m about to turn 63 and I feel the same, Susan—or rather, I’m in deep anticipatory grief about how it *will* change.
I'm with you both. And yet, I'm trying to hold space both for the grief and for whatever not giving in, whatever creating safety for as many possible will require.
I appreciate both of you being here and sharing what's going on for you, more than you know.
Every cabinet pick makes me feel worse
Right? Yikes.
Look at them, chugging along and staying alive in a precarious world. Otters! They’re just like us! Only cuter, and nicer to each other. Be well and thanks for this, Holly.
I did all kinds of research into river otters, thinking I’d share more about them than I did here. I learned about their family systems and how they mate for life and go out on hunting excursions and have all kinds of interesting vocalizations and love to play. And I also learned they’re typically nocturnal, making this an especially rare treat. A joy to share it.
Great minds, thinkin' alike! :-)
I thought the same! ♥️
Thank you, Holly, for these flashes of beauty at a hard time. The poem reminds me of an idea I once had, to attemd a funeral every day, whether or not I knew the deceased. Funerals cn be heart-filling. They remind me of the things that matter most.
Well, Rona, that's something. Now I'm left wondering what you would title your book if you chronicled a year of attending a funeral every day. A Dead End Year? Deceased and Desist? The Afterlife Coffee Club + Lemon Square Society? My Wake Up Call?
Interesting idea. Must think it over.
I thought more about this as I ran my loop: Good Mourning.
Well, yes, this does seem the perfect title.
They do, don’t they? It would be an interesting experiment to do for some designated amount of time for sure. I can’t imagine it not opening your heart in some unforeseen ways.
Love in otters and their cuteness, dancing sky and "breathing the same air!" I'm ready to take on the day niw, off to the bay! Sending love. 💌
Wonderful! Thank you, Birdy. Love received and sent back your way. ♥️♥️
And I forgot to add my hopes for an end to the side effects.
Thank you!! Fingers crossed. Oof, it’s been a year.
Love to you and Casey. I know you’re dealing with your own rough times. ♥️
Beautiful. I could watch those otters all day! And love that poem.
I know, right?! I was so completely delighted when I saw them—and my walk that morning has been one of heaviness in my heart.
I thought later about how they’re known for curiosity and play. And maybe I (maybe all of us) need not to forget to include as much as we can in our lives, regardless of what else we also must muster.
Yeah, ALOK is a master and a gem. They are a truly impressive human.
Holly…friend…you are remarkable. I am wishing there were words other than “I’m sorry” for the murkiness of health. I *am* sorry. But I’m also sad, and mad, and wishing there was more we could do to support you when the physical doesn’t align with the emotional and spiritual side of you. Maybe a safe symbol? Something that says: I’m hurting. Please don’t leave me alone.”
☯️❤️🩹🈵
Anyway, otters!! And sunset!! And that stunning poem. And you, and your heart. Any one is more than plenty. Thank you for taking care.
I can't say how perfect your support is. Honestly. This wealth and joy of response to this post has buoyed me. (As is a switch to the correct meds to treat the side effect instead of the incorrect one that was making it worse; thank the stars I listened to my instinct there. But that's a whole other story. 🤣)
Thank you, Elizabeth. I am over the moon grateful to have connected with you here.
And yay otters and sunsets and ALOK. If you don't know their work, I highly recommend. It's really wonderful.
Much ♥️ your way, dear friend.
Good heavens...hurrah for correct meds and instinct! ❤️
This is what it looks like to take care if ourselves, to move out of my talking head & connect to our shared heart language. I needed that. I hope you feel better. Thank you for sharing with us. ♥️
Gah, I love this response. Thank you, thank you. I so very much appreciate you being here and commenting. ♥️♥️
Dear Holly, I so admire your dedication to your craft and to us readers. Thank you for those lovely videos. And for that amazing poem, which suggested a title for my novel (that begins serializing in January). 😁 Looking forward to your post that will come at just the right time. Meanwhile, wishing you peace. 🕊️🤍
Oh, I am intrigued. Can’t wait for the novel (and its title).
Thank you, thank you, my friend. ♥️
I’m on ALOK’s website now — what a marvelous person and talent, so positive and joyful. Thank you for the reference. I don’t know what rock I’ve been living under.
Yeah, they are truly an amazing human. Got to see them live in Portland a few years back, and it was a truly joyous occasion. They’re doing work the world dearly needs.
I will always be happy with the gift of otters and twilight. Never apologise for having an off day or for feeling sadness. You are human. Also I'm jealous because I've never seen otters in the wild (we don't have them in New Zealand) and I didn't know they made that sound so I've watched your video so many times. You've definitely made my day.
Oh the otters! Thank you for this glimmer. Sending a hug across the Atlantic 💚
xoxoxo! Love to you, Holly.
Love back your way, my friend. ♥️
Hang in Holly. How gorgeous what you gather, even here, this week alone. Show forth! These surfing river otters alone, show the way.
They do, don't they know? Communicating, going with the flow, diving within each other's concentric circles. Let's be like the river otters. :)
Thank you, thank you, Kenneth. I appreciate you being here ever so much.
vicey versey...
Holly, thank you for giving us otters and sunset clouds emptying color like breath leaving life and ALOK to help us "remember | that simple fact -- that we breathe the same air and your tender place and what else?
I had planned and worked at a different piece than I posted last week, too, and at the 11th hour discerned that it was going to need to stay in the cooker, Shihab-Nye's "Kindness" all the while a steady pulse. I cannot help but wonder, reading these interconnected pieces on sorrow, about the collective 'field' we're attentive to here on Substack and that was the resounding, wordless what else?
May your symptoms ease.
Beloved Holly, I wish you feel relief soon. Patience, rest, and strength to you in the meantime. You'll come back to your essay when you're ready. (I've been there before.) Thank you for the otters and the sunset--how breath-taking and breath-giving.
I hope you feel better soon Holly, and that the side effects go away. ❤️