Thank you for beginning with that explication of bear and bare, and with the reminder that we as humans cannot silently bear what the current administration is doing. We need to stand up, speak up and act out for each other and this earth. Plus, what a treat to see and hear you talking about your classes. I'm in the midst of a serious transition as my current house sells before I have found a new place to live, so I don't have the bandwidth to take either of them, but I know they will be rewarding and fun and lasting learning for all who do. Thanks for being you, and sharing your gifts with us!
Yes, I agree. We can't just sit back. And at the same time, it's so hard to grasp what that means--what the steps we can take are to speak out effectively. May we find a way.
Oh my goodness, that does sound like quite the transition! Congrats on the sale. And sending wishes for you to find a wonderful temporary nest and then a fantastic more permanent transition soon.
Love this reflection in times like these and these offerings sound incredible— so glad that you are offering them. Looking forward to checking them out and if it aligns joining❤️
Such rich offerings Holly! I love seeing you launch into this, I bet you’re a natural teacher/guide—every time I read you, it feels like you’re already reaching out a hand as if to say, Come , come walk with me and see how I see.
Thank you, Kimberly. What a delightful compliment. I do love teaching/guiding. Something I haven't yet written too much about is that, for a few years, I worked as an outdoor guide/facilitator for science and nature and general outdoor programs for kids and team building / healing retreats for adults. Whatever my role, I love the group dynamic. I love everyone's contribution. And I think of myself mostly as just the one in the room who happens to have prepared something to point us this way or that.
I have a cherry tree, a Lapin variety. They taste good, great even when red, but they taste superb if they ripen long enough to turn a deep red-purple. This tree was supposed to be a dwarf tree and admittedly I didn't know much about pruning or tree care when I planted the baby tree into the ground. The tree - to my surprise - and seemingly overnight grew into a large cherry tree, even though ever year all the cherries dropped before ripening. Then one year maybe 8 years ago she finally gave a massive harvest. Only she was so big, I couldn't get the harvest. I justified cutting her back before the winter to be able to access the harvest and prune her at the same time. I knew this was risky and wreckless even. I filled at least 15 gallon bags. Ate and gave aways equal amounts. The next year she produced even more. This year is looking to be like another decent harvest.
I LOOOOVE cherries. And I love this story. I like to think of trees having lives of their own--motivations and desires and plans and relationships. And of course they do. Their language is just quite different to ours.
It's an exceptional mind that can tie in such unique concepts so well, and emphasize the importance of each. Well done linking Elizabeth and the tragedy that is people who cannot open their eyes and see the truth. Thanks Holly.
I had an apricot tree which came up in my CO flowerbed. She bore 7 or 700.... never did figure out why. J
My dad has an apricot tree like that. He was told something about tapping on the trunk that seems quite farfetched. But who knows?
As I was telling Rebecka in an earlier thread, I like to think of the lives of trees--their motivations and relationships and desires and needs--all lived out in a language we can't grasp.
If I can get 100 times something back I'll tap on anybody's trunk!! Does seem a tad unlikely but hey I've done rain dances and called the wind. How do we know??
While spending two years writing my travel memoir, I was starting to get frustrated that I just couldn't stop revising the effing thing. After I learned that David Sedaris revises his works 40-60 times (?!?!), I felt better!
Yes, I've heard that too. I long ago in undergrad had a poetry professor, who I adored (and would end up doing an independent study with), tell me he often goes over a piece 100 times, even if by the end it's just a comma change here, a slightly different turn of phrase there.
I've ordered Professional Bum, by the way, and look forward to digging in. Love me a travel memoir.
LOL, I actually searched for words I used too frequently: "astonishing," "breathtaking," etc. A couple of my readers have (kindly) pointed out two other words I overused; unfortunately, I didn't search for those...
Thank you so much for buying the book. Don't forget to leave a (preferably five-star) review!
I wouldn’t say it’s my favourite use of the word, but I feel this is a fun one to respond… sometimes I can’t ‘bear’ being Australian as the Timezone differences cut me off from being able to engage with so much cool shit my friends on the other side of the world are offering. Like editing workshops for example.
Nonetheless, I’m thrilled to hear your sharing your expertise with the world Holly.
P.S — it’s still early stages at this point, but I am working on a book, and I have thought that when it’s further along, I may need to employ some of your editing expertise to help polish it (I’m happy to pay of course). So, maybe, that could be a fun future editing project… :)
I think of you when I'm scheduling offerings, my friend. What time is it in Australia (and where exactly is Michael in Australia, again?) when it's X o'clock here. Terribly difficult to find times that will accommodate everyone who's brilliance and energy I'd LOVE to have a part of any offering or gathering I host!
And thank you.
And, absolutely, for sure hit me up about editing. It's been awhile, but I'm taking on select manuscripts again. And I'd love to work with you/your work. Also, fantastic to hear you're working on a book.
PS. Been reading the posts of your lovely partner. She seems wonderful too. I love it when I get to know both parts of a couple and find them both delightful!
I appreciate that, Holly! And don’t worry, I know I difficult it is to align time zones — it’s a mess!
I’m still quite a while away from having anything substantial to share, but the thought popped into my head the other day, and it just felt like one of those things that would be so awesome, if it all aligned.
Ohh thank you Holly. I’m so glad to hear that. Evie has been telling me she’s been getting some engagement with her Substack and, I must say, it makes me so happy to see her excited about it all. Spoiler alert: my post this coming Friday is actually about mine and evies process of sharing writing and other such stuff — it’s been so fun to write! :)
Just told Michael in the previous comment that I've found you and your work a delight and am so glad he "introduced" us and that you're back on this platform writing.
This 👉"As writers, we’re compelled to bear witness, to bring forth the stories that live in our bellies and haunt our hearts and whisper from the corners of our imaginations. And right now, we need all of the ongoing conversation of published writing we can get—all of us bearing the gifts and truths and perspectives of our best work." 💖🙌
Thank you for beginning with that explication of bear and bare, and with the reminder that we as humans cannot silently bear what the current administration is doing. We need to stand up, speak up and act out for each other and this earth. Plus, what a treat to see and hear you talking about your classes. I'm in the midst of a serious transition as my current house sells before I have found a new place to live, so I don't have the bandwidth to take either of them, but I know they will be rewarding and fun and lasting learning for all who do. Thanks for being you, and sharing your gifts with us!
Thank you, Susan! I much appreciate you.
Yes, I agree. We can't just sit back. And at the same time, it's so hard to grasp what that means--what the steps we can take are to speak out effectively. May we find a way.
Oh my goodness, that does sound like quite the transition! Congrats on the sale. And sending wishes for you to find a wonderful temporary nest and then a fantastic more permanent transition soon.
Love this reflection in times like these and these offerings sound incredible— so glad that you are offering them. Looking forward to checking them out and if it aligns joining❤️
Wonderful, Amara. I would 100 percent welcome your contribution in any offering or gathering I hosted. Your energy would be such a boon to the group.
Thanks for checking this piece out and commenting, my friend. Grateful for you.
Such rich offerings Holly! I love seeing you launch into this, I bet you’re a natural teacher/guide—every time I read you, it feels like you’re already reaching out a hand as if to say, Come , come walk with me and see how I see.
Thank you, Kimberly. What a delightful compliment. I do love teaching/guiding. Something I haven't yet written too much about is that, for a few years, I worked as an outdoor guide/facilitator for science and nature and general outdoor programs for kids and team building / healing retreats for adults. Whatever my role, I love the group dynamic. I love everyone's contribution. And I think of myself mostly as just the one in the room who happens to have prepared something to point us this way or that.
Not only rewarding, but giving .When you share the best of yourself with others, how can this not be wonderful!
Thank you, Lor!! I soooo appreciate you.
Your title and text reminded me of a Wm Blake verse that has been a talisman for me for years with a wordplay:
"And we are put on earth a little space,
That we may learn to bear the beams of love"
Ooooooh. I haven't heard this. And I love it. This will stay with me too. Thank you, Leslie.
I have a cherry tree, a Lapin variety. They taste good, great even when red, but they taste superb if they ripen long enough to turn a deep red-purple. This tree was supposed to be a dwarf tree and admittedly I didn't know much about pruning or tree care when I planted the baby tree into the ground. The tree - to my surprise - and seemingly overnight grew into a large cherry tree, even though ever year all the cherries dropped before ripening. Then one year maybe 8 years ago she finally gave a massive harvest. Only she was so big, I couldn't get the harvest. I justified cutting her back before the winter to be able to access the harvest and prune her at the same time. I knew this was risky and wreckless even. I filled at least 15 gallon bags. Ate and gave aways equal amounts. The next year she produced even more. This year is looking to be like another decent harvest.
I LOOOOVE cherries. And I love this story. I like to think of trees having lives of their own--motivations and desires and plans and relationships. And of course they do. Their language is just quite different to ours.
To another bounteous harvest!
It's an exceptional mind that can tie in such unique concepts so well, and emphasize the importance of each. Well done linking Elizabeth and the tragedy that is people who cannot open their eyes and see the truth. Thanks Holly.
I had an apricot tree which came up in my CO flowerbed. She bore 7 or 700.... never did figure out why. J
Gah! Thank you, Janice. What a kind compliment.
My dad has an apricot tree like that. He was told something about tapping on the trunk that seems quite farfetched. But who knows?
As I was telling Rebecka in an earlier thread, I like to think of the lives of trees--their motivations and relationships and desires and needs--all lived out in a language we can't grasp.
If I can get 100 times something back I'll tap on anybody's trunk!! Does seem a tad unlikely but hey I've done rain dances and called the wind. How do we know??
Always a pleasure, Holly. ~J
Cathy title.
Thanks, Ana!
I wanna be like you when I grow up.
Gah! Shucks. 🤣
I have grown to love the art of revision.
While spending two years writing my travel memoir, I was starting to get frustrated that I just couldn't stop revising the effing thing. After I learned that David Sedaris revises his works 40-60 times (?!?!), I felt better!
Yes, I've heard that too. I long ago in undergrad had a poetry professor, who I adored (and would end up doing an independent study with), tell me he often goes over a piece 100 times, even if by the end it's just a comma change here, a slightly different turn of phrase there.
I've ordered Professional Bum, by the way, and look forward to digging in. Love me a travel memoir.
LOL, I actually searched for words I used too frequently: "astonishing," "breathtaking," etc. A couple of my readers have (kindly) pointed out two other words I overused; unfortunately, I didn't search for those...
Thank you so much for buying the book. Don't forget to leave a (preferably five-star) review!
💕
I wouldn’t say it’s my favourite use of the word, but I feel this is a fun one to respond… sometimes I can’t ‘bear’ being Australian as the Timezone differences cut me off from being able to engage with so much cool shit my friends on the other side of the world are offering. Like editing workshops for example.
Nonetheless, I’m thrilled to hear your sharing your expertise with the world Holly.
P.S — it’s still early stages at this point, but I am working on a book, and I have thought that when it’s further along, I may need to employ some of your editing expertise to help polish it (I’m happy to pay of course). So, maybe, that could be a fun future editing project… :)
I think of you when I'm scheduling offerings, my friend. What time is it in Australia (and where exactly is Michael in Australia, again?) when it's X o'clock here. Terribly difficult to find times that will accommodate everyone who's brilliance and energy I'd LOVE to have a part of any offering or gathering I host!
And thank you.
And, absolutely, for sure hit me up about editing. It's been awhile, but I'm taking on select manuscripts again. And I'd love to work with you/your work. Also, fantastic to hear you're working on a book.
PS. Been reading the posts of your lovely partner. She seems wonderful too. I love it when I get to know both parts of a couple and find them both delightful!
I appreciate that, Holly! And don’t worry, I know I difficult it is to align time zones — it’s a mess!
I’m still quite a while away from having anything substantial to share, but the thought popped into my head the other day, and it just felt like one of those things that would be so awesome, if it all aligned.
Ohh thank you Holly. I’m so glad to hear that. Evie has been telling me she’s been getting some engagement with her Substack and, I must say, it makes me so happy to see her excited about it all. Spoiler alert: my post this coming Friday is actually about mine and evies process of sharing writing and other such stuff — it’s been so fun to write! :)
they (whomever they might be) do say that to write is to rewrite. And this certainly bears out in my own experience.
Ha! Fantastic use of bear.
Just told Michael in the previous comment that I've found you and your work a delight and am so glad he "introduced" us and that you're back on this platform writing.
Thank you (I was very proud of that one)
Thats incredibly kind of you! It was nice of him to share you all with me.
Holly you are always giving us so much of your good spirit to us, I have absolutely no clue as to how you find the time but I so love that you do! ♥️
This 👉"As writers, we’re compelled to bear witness, to bring forth the stories that live in our bellies and haunt our hearts and whisper from the corners of our imaginations. And right now, we need all of the ongoing conversation of published writing we can get—all of us bearing the gifts and truths and perspectives of our best work." 💖🙌