I relate to this a lot, Holly. Flares, especially. The feeling I can do almost anything when I'm not in one, which is rare these days. I've never befriended an insect but I do say hello to any bumble bee I see. To stay afloat these (chaotic, harm-filled days I remember life is short and concentrate on my loved ones and home, nature, and art.
Linda, I’m so sorry to hear that days without flares are rare.
I love that you say hello to bumblebees. And that you focus on your loved once and home and nature and art—all beautiful things to ride the waves with. And these are stormy days.
Thank you for sharing. Wishing you calm and much time with your loved ones and in nature and with art.
I missed you last week & you're so strong, although it may not feel that way. Your ability to express your life is such a gift to all of us, thank you.
There is an anchorage, one of my absolute favorites, in the northern Bahamas. It was there I learned that staying afloat meant many things. Anchored at least two hundred yards from land, every morning we were visited by a honey bee. She(? the worker bees are male, actually, I think...) would spend several minutes, come back once again, and then leave us for the heat of the day. I thought the attraction was the honey we put in our coffee, but was it just a curious social check of her rotating neighbors? I truly believe we give all of Mother Nature's creatures less credit than they deserve. To destroy a nest of anything out of irrational fear is bad practice. Live & let freely live, your mantra, has such a better feel.
I hope today is a great day for you, Miss Holly. ~J
Thank you, Janice! I so appreciate you being here and the encouragement.
And I wholeheartedly agree that we underestimate the animals. I love the idea of that honeybee paying her neighbors a morning visit.
And I am intrigued by this mission of the Anchorage in the Bahamas and what it taught you about the meaning of floating or staying a float I should say.
Thank you, my friend. Looking forward to connecting soon. 💕
Oh, Rona. I’m honored to hear you say this. Thank you.
It’s funny. For so long, I think, holding back in certain areas was what was, well, holding me back. So I love to hear that it comes through that I mean not to do so anymore.
Me too, how quickly arriving at the middle of April!
Occured to me yesterday, waiting 12 back at the quick chk dollar store, many are hurting more. I could hear and see it and feel it. Not quite as painful as a surprise hidden guinea wasp nest, little devils stung repeatey while chasing me. I tried to lessen pain for many, a smile, hinting at conversations. Wanted to jump in and co checkout with the tired cashier.
Thanks for always enriching my day, I think harder reading you. Grateful.
Loved this..."like a pewter boa. Coco, a shot of ink, scaled the first few feet of the trunk. Devine!
“ I think harder reading you.” What a wonderful compliment. I’m honored.
I liked that pewter boa line too. Made me giggle when it came swirling in.
Oh no! The hidden nest and the stinging as he ran. What an ordeal. I hope the pain subsided quickly.
I so very much appreciate you being here and commenting, Birdy! May we both enjoy the rest of April as thoroughly as we can, even if it does go by too quickly.
Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous, Holly. Your writing about and through your flares is sustaining me through my own health challenge right now. What a gift! Thanks for all you do and for the way you show up.
Thank you, thank you, Emily! What a beautiful thing to hear.
I am so sorry you are facing health challenges. I know they can impact every aspect of your life. I’m wishing you calm and healing and as many delights as you can find.
I so appreciate you reading and commenting and I’m so glad we have connected.
“I’ve known what it is to kick after a long time of sinking. Thrashing up for a gulp. Sinking. Thrashing. Sinking. On repeat. To build and rebuild. To make ever more space.”
Sometimes we need to be able to feel ourselves kicking. Thank you 🌿💛
Welcome back. You hit me in a soft spot with this one, Holly. Thank you for sharing. I'm trying to stay afloat while feeling guilty about not giving more to help those most impacted. I hate survival mode and much prefer thriving. I'll have to ponder the insect question. With love...
Oh, me too, me too— on both accounts. I want to know what steps to take to not just file my outrage but make a difference for those who are suffering.
And my god, for us all to be focused on thriving. It seems we came so close to having a chance to do so, at least in some aspects. It’s hard to wrap your mind around the course that’s being taken.
I’m so glad you’re here, Heather, and that we’re connected.
Holly, thank you for your generous honesty and vulnerability, for sharing the chaos, the flares and the moments of clarity and joy. There is such courage and beauty in everything you write! I am sending hugs your way. (BTW, I know the flares too, since I live with Lupus. They are my reminder to re-adjust to my body's pace and listen within.)
Gah! Courage and beauty. What a joyful thing to hear. Thank you, Susan.
I know a little about lupus, as I have a friend who lives with it as well. We sometimes discuss the similarities in terms of flares, and the things we need to do to take care of ourselves around them.
Thank you for sharing this. And thank you for the hugs. Sending hugs back your way and wishes for calm and joy.
Blessings to you. And should you ever want to gift your friend a book, I'm going to be brash and suggest one of mine, Walking Nature Home, about finding myself in living with Lupus. https://utpress.utexas.edu/9781477309346/
Pure gold! "After a flare, I snap back to me, time returns to itself, and I’m flooded with renewal. I have excellent support. And whatever brings you fresh perspective is, at least in part, gift." You and I, and others here, singing the same song. Thanks for the great story too!
Holly, I can so relate. I've been in a long flare due to winter weather (weather is a demon) and stress and the longer it has continued the harder it is to think straight and sit and write. Getting out walking is a big helper. I'm all for helping to keep each other afloat, this is what life is about.
My heart go out to you, I too feel like I can do most anything when I am not in a flare. 💫 Big love! 💫
I especially love the picture of Coco. All four off the ground. And I too cannot remember the last time I ran like this…Thanks Holly. I appreciate you reading your piece. I always enjoy hearing your voice.
Hi Julia, there's a house down by the lake here where the homeowners rotate the flags on their mailbox. My favourite is the one that suggests "Live like someone left the gate open." Run!!!!!!!!!
I love that Coco joins you for walks, Holly. It's so calming when a neighborhood dog thinks of you as a friend, and sometimes either his or her own. And also the lone wasp story, how it came to visit you and Ruby. Those creature engagements run along the surreal. Love them. Take care, amiga.
I do love having dog friends. I don’t imagine ever having one of my own, so I love that a couple of dogs in my life have human friends willing to share.
Thank you, thank you, for reading and commenting . 💕
For a long time we had Smiley, a beach dog. He was just the best. They are so street/people smart. Between us and our neighbor he was ‘ours.’ When people asked if he was mine I always said he was ‘rent a dog.’ Just as ya think he’s settling in for a while, he’d sit a little farther out on the beach, then would wag his tail, and trot off to town, till next time. He was the best.
So familar -- "From the depths of a flare, I ponder all the things I’ll never do. On the other side of the flare, I plan and move as if another one will never come, as if everything’s possible." And loved the whole post.
Thanks, Jan! I find it something very endearing about us humans— the way we tend to think whatever state we’re in is the forever state. It’s tender and sweet.
I’m sorry that you too know about the roller coaster that is flares.
It is a very tender human trait -- and probably also helps keep us from permanent anxiety -- like those who have the worst childbirth experiences but are still able to do it again.
I relate to this a lot, Holly. Flares, especially. The feeling I can do almost anything when I'm not in one, which is rare these days. I've never befriended an insect but I do say hello to any bumble bee I see. To stay afloat these (chaotic, harm-filled days I remember life is short and concentrate on my loved ones and home, nature, and art.
Linda, I’m so sorry to hear that days without flares are rare.
I love that you say hello to bumblebees. And that you focus on your loved once and home and nature and art—all beautiful things to ride the waves with. And these are stormy days.
Thank you for sharing. Wishing you calm and much time with your loved ones and in nature and with art.
Thank you, Holly! You too. ☺️
love your voice.
Gah! Thank you, Geoffrey. I enjoy recording, so it’s wonderful to hear when people enjoy the audio.
I enjoy yours as well. 😊
I missed you last week & you're so strong, although it may not feel that way. Your ability to express your life is such a gift to all of us, thank you.
There is an anchorage, one of my absolute favorites, in the northern Bahamas. It was there I learned that staying afloat meant many things. Anchored at least two hundred yards from land, every morning we were visited by a honey bee. She(? the worker bees are male, actually, I think...) would spend several minutes, come back once again, and then leave us for the heat of the day. I thought the attraction was the honey we put in our coffee, but was it just a curious social check of her rotating neighbors? I truly believe we give all of Mother Nature's creatures less credit than they deserve. To destroy a nest of anything out of irrational fear is bad practice. Live & let freely live, your mantra, has such a better feel.
I hope today is a great day for you, Miss Holly. ~J
Thank you, Janice! I so appreciate you being here and the encouragement.
And I wholeheartedly agree that we underestimate the animals. I love the idea of that honeybee paying her neighbors a morning visit.
And I am intrigued by this mission of the Anchorage in the Bahamas and what it taught you about the meaning of floating or staying a float I should say.
Thank you, my friend. Looking forward to connecting soon. 💕
Keep on kicking on, heart chambers to sky.
Thanks, Adam! I plan to. 🦵♥️🌠
You never hold anything back. It’s a gift that encourages me (and many others, I don’t doubt) to be more generous.
Oh, Rona. I’m honored to hear you say this. Thank you.
It’s funny. For so long, I think, holding back in certain areas was what was, well, holding me back. So I love to hear that it comes through that I mean not to do so anymore.
💕
Me too, how quickly arriving at the middle of April!
Occured to me yesterday, waiting 12 back at the quick chk dollar store, many are hurting more. I could hear and see it and feel it. Not quite as painful as a surprise hidden guinea wasp nest, little devils stung repeatey while chasing me. I tried to lessen pain for many, a smile, hinting at conversations. Wanted to jump in and co checkout with the tired cashier.
Thanks for always enriching my day, I think harder reading you. Grateful.
Loved this..."like a pewter boa. Coco, a shot of ink, scaled the first few feet of the trunk. Devine!
“ I think harder reading you.” What a wonderful compliment. I’m honored.
I liked that pewter boa line too. Made me giggle when it came swirling in.
Oh no! The hidden nest and the stinging as he ran. What an ordeal. I hope the pain subsided quickly.
I so very much appreciate you being here and commenting, Birdy! May we both enjoy the rest of April as thoroughly as we can, even if it does go by too quickly.
Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous, Holly. Your writing about and through your flares is sustaining me through my own health challenge right now. What a gift! Thanks for all you do and for the way you show up.
Thank you, thank you, Emily! What a beautiful thing to hear.
I am so sorry you are facing health challenges. I know they can impact every aspect of your life. I’m wishing you calm and healing and as many delights as you can find.
I so appreciate you reading and commenting and I’m so glad we have connected.
“I’ve known what it is to kick after a long time of sinking. Thrashing up for a gulp. Sinking. Thrashing. Sinking. On repeat. To build and rebuild. To make ever more space.”
Sometimes we need to be able to feel ourselves kicking. Thank you 🌿💛
Yes, Ann, that’s such a good way of putting it. We need to know we can. And that we will.
Thank you, thank you for reading and sharing . 💕
Welcome back. You hit me in a soft spot with this one, Holly. Thank you for sharing. I'm trying to stay afloat while feeling guilty about not giving more to help those most impacted. I hate survival mode and much prefer thriving. I'll have to ponder the insect question. With love...
Oh, me too, me too— on both accounts. I want to know what steps to take to not just file my outrage but make a difference for those who are suffering.
And my god, for us all to be focused on thriving. It seems we came so close to having a chance to do so, at least in some aspects. It’s hard to wrap your mind around the course that’s being taken.
I’m so glad you’re here, Heather, and that we’re connected.
💕
Holly, thank you for your generous honesty and vulnerability, for sharing the chaos, the flares and the moments of clarity and joy. There is such courage and beauty in everything you write! I am sending hugs your way. (BTW, I know the flares too, since I live with Lupus. They are my reminder to re-adjust to my body's pace and listen within.)
Gah! Courage and beauty. What a joyful thing to hear. Thank you, Susan.
I know a little about lupus, as I have a friend who lives with it as well. We sometimes discuss the similarities in terms of flares, and the things we need to do to take care of ourselves around them.
Thank you for sharing this. And thank you for the hugs. Sending hugs back your way and wishes for calm and joy.
Thank you for being here . 💕
Blessings to you. And should you ever want to gift your friend a book, I'm going to be brash and suggest one of mine, Walking Nature Home, about finding myself in living with Lupus. https://utpress.utexas.edu/9781477309346/
Pure gold! "After a flare, I snap back to me, time returns to itself, and I’m flooded with renewal. I have excellent support. And whatever brings you fresh perspective is, at least in part, gift." You and I, and others here, singing the same song. Thanks for the great story too!
Thank you, thank you, Gary, for singing along. I’d have you in my choir any and every day.
How are you?
Sending all the well wishes your way . 😊
Holly, I can so relate. I've been in a long flare due to winter weather (weather is a demon) and stress and the longer it has continued the harder it is to think straight and sit and write. Getting out walking is a big helper. I'm all for helping to keep each other afloat, this is what life is about.
My heart go out to you, I too feel like I can do most anything when I am not in a flare. 💫 Big love! 💫
Oh, Pamela, big love your way too.
Yes, cold weather is the worst! It exacerbates things for me too.
I am so sorry to hear that you have been in a long flare. That can get so tiresome (to say the least).
Sending wishes for calm and joy and warmth along with a big love.
I much appreciate you being here . 💕
I especially love the picture of Coco. All four off the ground. And I too cannot remember the last time I ran like this…Thanks Holly. I appreciate you reading your piece. I always enjoy hearing your voice.
Right?! isn’t that photo of Coco fun? She is an absolute delight (and an absolute love). She has a sweet spirit and a young soul.
Oh, to run all out again. Maybe someday. 😁
Thanks for letting me know you enjoy the audio. You never know whether people are listening.
Thank you, Julia, for being here. I appreciate you.
Hi Julia, there's a house down by the lake here where the homeowners rotate the flags on their mailbox. My favourite is the one that suggests "Live like someone left the gate open." Run!!!!!!!!!
I LOVE IT!
I love that Coco joins you for walks, Holly. It's so calming when a neighborhood dog thinks of you as a friend, and sometimes either his or her own. And also the lone wasp story, how it came to visit you and Ruby. Those creature engagements run along the surreal. Love them. Take care, amiga.
I do love having dog friends. I don’t imagine ever having one of my own, so I love that a couple of dogs in my life have human friends willing to share.
Thank you, thank you, for reading and commenting . 💕
For a long time we had Smiley, a beach dog. He was just the best. They are so street/people smart. Between us and our neighbor he was ‘ours.’ When people asked if he was mine I always said he was ‘rent a dog.’ Just as ya think he’s settling in for a while, he’d sit a little farther out on the beach, then would wag his tail, and trot off to town, till next time. He was the best.
Ha! Love him. Sounds like a bit of a nomad himself. 🐾🐾
So inspiring and hopeful--with love for your daughter and all those who live and breath and lose and try to regain resilience.
Oh, what a beautiful comment, Mary. You have such a wonderful way with words and with warmth and hope.
I appreciate you dearly . 💕
Mutual!
So familar -- "From the depths of a flare, I ponder all the things I’ll never do. On the other side of the flare, I plan and move as if another one will never come, as if everything’s possible." And loved the whole post.
Thanks, Jan! I find it something very endearing about us humans— the way we tend to think whatever state we’re in is the forever state. It’s tender and sweet.
I’m sorry that you too know about the roller coaster that is flares.
I much appreciate you being here . ♥️
It is a very tender human trait -- and probably also helps keep us from permanent anxiety -- like those who have the worst childbirth experiences but are still able to do it again.
And thank you xx