I love your animated, heartfelt writing, Holly. And yes, I think many of us are leaning strongly into warmth and togetherness in these darkening days. Thank you for listening to all the people you meet, and for holding hope we can close some gaps.
Thank you ever so much, Harriet. I appreciate you reading and leaning into warmth and togetherness. I think it’s probably one of the keys to closing some gaps. ♥️
Oh, you make your life sounds so absolutely yummy... and yes, delightful. Thank you for my morning delight today. I too, am working my way through Jeannine Ouellette's writing intensive (I am seriously behind already) but loving it and Ross Gay's Book of Delights at the same time. My delight this morning? Sea smoke, the feathery white tufts that float above the water as the air temperature hovers around -17 degrees Celsius. It is magical.
As a bit of a mug snob I appreciate how truly delightful Bobby Ross is and how you might be sad when he eventually reaches his demise because he is irreplaceable. Now, however, you have this wonderful tribute post to your fav mug!
Like you, I will turn to the warm liquid in my lovely mug when I can no longer look outward. I will search the eyes of those in my small town to find the connection to keep me grounded right where I am.
Hi Donna, we never use our dishwasher because I am too particular to what I like to drink out of and nothing else will do. Our shelves only hold place settings for four (so that presents a problem as well)---we do have two dozen beer glasses we've bought (and stolen) from around the world but there's only one coffee mug for me.
You had me at Blue Grosbeak. We host the Canadian cousins---Evening, Rose-breasted and Pine. This read was like stepping into the bath. All-consuming in a nourishing way.
Ruby's ta-da tea station reminds me of a brownstone apartment I rented for a year in Toronto. There was a latch on the floor that unhinged a cabinet that could either close the kitchen entirely off or create a wall between the open-concept bedroom and kitchen. I'd never seen anything like it---that space had a Murphy bed too. AND a squirrel that loved to chew his way in through the screen to eat my spaghetti noodles. Thanks for this cup of Bob Ross tea and all the colours, Holly!
I love all the Grosbeaks! They’re such striking birds.
And thank you—like an all-consuming bath is a wonderful compliment.
That apartment sounds fantastic. I’ve had many conceptions in my head about Murphy bed possibilities in vans—far beyond my meager carpentry skills but fun to fantasize about.
This is a poem, Holly!! I've been thinking about you and Ruby and the enormous freedom of van life a lot lately (can you tell I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed? 😅) What am I wrapping my mind around lately? Doing things quickly without thinking too much because there's so much to do: hitting "Publish" - scheduling a photo shoot for headshots (no!!!) - hiring a cover designer - making a new website - talking to people! But I'm not ready, what if I make a mistake, I have to think about it some more... Nope. No time for dithering... 💜🙏☕
That doing quickly can be so overwhelming. But it has its upsides. Momentum and flurry can be a wonderful thing. I’m impressed with all you’re doing. ♥️
What I realised while listening to this piece, is that it’s not just that I love your powers of description — it’s that I love the way you see the world, and thus, how you choose to describe it. Wonderful words, Holly. :)
I love the sound of your voice reading the poetry of your writing. There is something so dreamy and beautiful and visceral about the experience, that is so uniquely you.
What a happiness for me to see I have missed a few weeks of your posts - I’m excited to sink into them when I wake up tomorrow.
Your vocal addition made my second round so much more beautiful! Glad I tried this option. I can't tell how many times I stared at Bob Ross painting! Canyon "belly!"🙂
"I can’t wrap my heart around thinking you have to decide who belongs."
This line Holly... I gulped, was halted in my steps while walking. It was such a beautiful sunset, birds were still chirruping, the air just beginning to feel crisp with frost fall... I never stop feeling fortunate for being grounded and safe and yet so many don't....
It touches so many doesn't it?
Such deeply moving words Holly, I am wrapping my heart around you. 💞
Awwwww, lucky me. How truly fortunate and grateful I am to have found friends like you, who love words and stringing them together beautifully and who know that we all belong to each other and the land and all who inhabit it and have inhabited it and will inhabit it in the future—which is to say ourselves, cuz we’re all made of the same stuff.
Ah, Holly. I am so glad to be back, or at least on my way back. I had largely abandoned reading my stack o' blogs for a couple of months, stunned as I was about the election and its fallout. Both of my kids are trans. It's hard right now. But, like you, my windows look upon ever-changing scenes of natural beauty. My selection of people to talk to is diverse, reshuffling all the time. And my mug of steaming tea, often taken on the roof, is one of my favorite and most reliable sources of comfort--a warmth that seeps through the coldest of of hearts. Thank you for continuing to add beauty to this world. Thank you for helping me find my way back. 💜
Sherry, I’m soooo glad you're back. And I know. It’s been hard. It’s been scary. It’s been heartbreaking. And it’ll continue to be all three. But there will also continue to be beauty and hope and wonder and gathering and people who will protect the amazing tender souls like your kids and my sweet cousin, who’s also trans, and anyone else who needs it.
Sending you warmth and love and anything else that, like a warm cup of tea will warm you.
What a gorgeous gorgeous piece! And your delivery! I listened to this while I walked along the snowy path to the train on my way into work, filling my belly with warm coffee while I walked. I would love a drink from your mug.
In these dark days I am leaning into gatherings. An informal church service this Sunday where we shared our fears and signs of hope. My bird feeder is also a source of delight.
In response to your question regarding what I'm wrapping my mind around...
I just self-published a travel memoir and have been sending copies to old friends who have cameo appearances in it. I googled my first love (who appears on page 158), and discovered he passed away on New Year's Eve 2024. So it's been a sad week. Even though I am very happily married, I hoped I would run into someday before we passed.
Oh, wow, Toni. I’ll bet that was hard to hear of his passing. I’m sorry.
How wonderful that you’ve published your travel memoir. What’s it called? Where can it be found? And how fun that you’re sending copies to those who appear in it.
Thank you so much for reading and enjoying and commenting .
The book has the same title as my Substack: "Professional Bum," with the subtitle of "Lessons Learned From My Twentysomething Adventures." A link to purchase appears on my Substack in whatever format works for you. Also on Amazon if you're a Kindle kind of woman.
Love this one, Holly. And the mug!! Too great, along w/ your fab outdoor kitchen. This line resonated with me, "Everywhere I go, the people I meet talk because I listen." What beautiful vistas you have/are experiencing. Yes, delights indeed!
Thank you, Jeanine. I do truly love that kitchen— built of reclaimed wood from an old landlord’s bathroom with the help of a cabinet maker friend. I’ve cooked a whole lot of food in that kitchen— not to mention heating up a whole lot of tea kettles full.
I know you know beautiful vistas, and delightful encounters while traveling yourself.
I love your animated, heartfelt writing, Holly. And yes, I think many of us are leaning strongly into warmth and togetherness in these darkening days. Thank you for listening to all the people you meet, and for holding hope we can close some gaps.
Thank you ever so much, Harriet. I appreciate you reading and leaning into warmth and togetherness. I think it’s probably one of the keys to closing some gaps. ♥️
Oh, you make your life sounds so absolutely yummy... and yes, delightful. Thank you for my morning delight today. I too, am working my way through Jeannine Ouellette's writing intensive (I am seriously behind already) but loving it and Ross Gay's Book of Delights at the same time. My delight this morning? Sea smoke, the feathery white tufts that float above the water as the air temperature hovers around -17 degrees Celsius. It is magical.
Oh my goodness, Cathy! That does sound absolutely magical.
I think she picked tgis time to work on delight perfectly. We need to have the balance. Or I should say I need it.
Thank you for reading. ❄️🪶
As a bit of a mug snob I appreciate how truly delightful Bobby Ross is and how you might be sad when he eventually reaches his demise because he is irreplaceable. Now, however, you have this wonderful tribute post to your fav mug!
Like you, I will turn to the warm liquid in my lovely mug when I can no longer look outward. I will search the eyes of those in my small town to find the connection to keep me grounded right where I am.
I love that you’re a mug snob, and that you dig Bobby Ross.
And oh my gosh, I love love love that you’re looking into the eyes of your neighbors to stay grounded. Brilliant, my friend, just brilliant.
Hi Donna, we never use our dishwasher because I am too particular to what I like to drink out of and nothing else will do. Our shelves only hold place settings for four (so that presents a problem as well)---we do have two dozen beer glasses we've bought (and stolen) from around the world but there's only one coffee mug for me.
You had me at Blue Grosbeak. We host the Canadian cousins---Evening, Rose-breasted and Pine. This read was like stepping into the bath. All-consuming in a nourishing way.
Ruby's ta-da tea station reminds me of a brownstone apartment I rented for a year in Toronto. There was a latch on the floor that unhinged a cabinet that could either close the kitchen entirely off or create a wall between the open-concept bedroom and kitchen. I'd never seen anything like it---that space had a Murphy bed too. AND a squirrel that loved to chew his way in through the screen to eat my spaghetti noodles. Thanks for this cup of Bob Ross tea and all the colours, Holly!
I love all the Grosbeaks! They’re such striking birds.
And thank you—like an all-consuming bath is a wonderful compliment.
That apartment sounds fantastic. I’ve had many conceptions in my head about Murphy bed possibilities in vans—far beyond my meager carpentry skills but fun to fantasize about.
Well, it would have to be a Starley bed, not a Murphy! It's catchy.
This is wonderful. Thank you for sharing. "Warm liquid filled my belly." :)
Thank you much, Ben! I appreciate you stopping by. :)
This is a poem, Holly!! I've been thinking about you and Ruby and the enormous freedom of van life a lot lately (can you tell I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed? 😅) What am I wrapping my mind around lately? Doing things quickly without thinking too much because there's so much to do: hitting "Publish" - scheduling a photo shoot for headshots (no!!!) - hiring a cover designer - making a new website - talking to people! But I'm not ready, what if I make a mistake, I have to think about it some more... Nope. No time for dithering... 💜🙏☕
Gah! Thank you, Troy!
That doing quickly can be so overwhelming. But it has its upsides. Momentum and flurry can be a wonderful thing. I’m impressed with all you’re doing. ♥️
Gorgeous piece, Holly. I found myself smiling and then grinning when I reached the image of Bobby Ross.
Your pacing here with the piece and its inherent pauses is so wonderful.
Thank you!
I had fun with the pacing of this piece for sure. So I really love that you noticed. It.
What I realised while listening to this piece, is that it’s not just that I love your powers of description — it’s that I love the way you see the world, and thus, how you choose to describe it. Wonderful words, Holly. :)
Awww, what a wonderful thing to say. Thank you, Michael.
I love the sound of your voice reading the poetry of your writing. There is something so dreamy and beautiful and visceral about the experience, that is so uniquely you.
What a happiness for me to see I have missed a few weeks of your posts - I’m excited to sink into them when I wake up tomorrow.
Gah! Thank you, Cici. Blushing over here. So grateful for you. ♥️
Your vocal addition made my second round so much more beautiful! Glad I tried this option. I can't tell how many times I stared at Bob Ross painting! Canyon "belly!"🙂
"I can’t wrap my heart around thinking you have to decide who belongs."
This line Holly... I gulped, was halted in my steps while walking. It was such a beautiful sunset, birds were still chirruping, the air just beginning to feel crisp with frost fall... I never stop feeling fortunate for being grounded and safe and yet so many don't....
It touches so many doesn't it?
Such deeply moving words Holly, I am wrapping my heart around you. 💞
Awwwww, lucky me. How truly fortunate and grateful I am to have found friends like you, who love words and stringing them together beautifully and who know that we all belong to each other and the land and all who inhabit it and have inhabited it and will inhabit it in the future—which is to say ourselves, cuz we’re all made of the same stuff.
Thank you, Susie.
Sounds like were both pretty darn lucky Holly! x
Ah, Holly. I am so glad to be back, or at least on my way back. I had largely abandoned reading my stack o' blogs for a couple of months, stunned as I was about the election and its fallout. Both of my kids are trans. It's hard right now. But, like you, my windows look upon ever-changing scenes of natural beauty. My selection of people to talk to is diverse, reshuffling all the time. And my mug of steaming tea, often taken on the roof, is one of my favorite and most reliable sources of comfort--a warmth that seeps through the coldest of of hearts. Thank you for continuing to add beauty to this world. Thank you for helping me find my way back. 💜
Sherry, I’m soooo glad you're back. And I know. It’s been hard. It’s been scary. It’s been heartbreaking. And it’ll continue to be all three. But there will also continue to be beauty and hope and wonder and gathering and people who will protect the amazing tender souls like your kids and my sweet cousin, who’s also trans, and anyone else who needs it.
Sending you warmth and love and anything else that, like a warm cup of tea will warm you.
What a gorgeous gorgeous piece! And your delivery! I listened to this while I walked along the snowy path to the train on my way into work, filling my belly with warm coffee while I walked. I would love a drink from your mug.
Gah!! Noha, I would be over the mean if we got a chance to meet in person and share a mugga something warm someday.
Love love that you listened as you walked and sipped. So meta. So lovely.
Hope you’re staying warm. Sending warmth and love your way.
In these dark days I am leaning into gatherings. An informal church service this Sunday where we shared our fears and signs of hope. My bird feeder is also a source of delight.
Gatherings and sharing and birds, oh my! These are wonderful things to be leaning into, Katharine.
Thank you, my friend, for reading and sharing.
Engaging stuff, Holly! I am enjoying it.
In response to your question regarding what I'm wrapping my mind around...
I just self-published a travel memoir and have been sending copies to old friends who have cameo appearances in it. I googled my first love (who appears on page 158), and discovered he passed away on New Year's Eve 2024. So it's been a sad week. Even though I am very happily married, I hoped I would run into someday before we passed.
Not gonna happen, sigh. RIP, my friend.
Oh, wow, Toni. I’ll bet that was hard to hear of his passing. I’m sorry.
How wonderful that you’ve published your travel memoir. What’s it called? Where can it be found? And how fun that you’re sending copies to those who appear in it.
Thank you so much for reading and enjoying and commenting .
Thank you for your condolences.
The book has the same title as my Substack: "Professional Bum," with the subtitle of "Lessons Learned From My Twentysomething Adventures." A link to purchase appears on my Substack in whatever format works for you. Also on Amazon if you're a Kindle kind of woman.
Love this one, Holly. And the mug!! Too great, along w/ your fab outdoor kitchen. This line resonated with me, "Everywhere I go, the people I meet talk because I listen." What beautiful vistas you have/are experiencing. Yes, delights indeed!
Thank you, Jeanine. I do truly love that kitchen— built of reclaimed wood from an old landlord’s bathroom with the help of a cabinet maker friend. I’ve cooked a whole lot of food in that kitchen— not to mention heating up a whole lot of tea kettles full.
I know you know beautiful vistas, and delightful encounters while traveling yourself.
Thank you For reading and commenting!
It's really a clever design!!!