Yes. This is how we practice. Rumi: Let the beauty we love be what we do./There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground. Thank you, Stephanie.
Thank you Camilla. How can we not love the butterfly story, from worm to colored wings, lighting upon the flowers of our world. Biggest of hugs my friend.
Butterflies feel like my spirit guides. Thanks. The design is from Nan Tepper. She did a great job. (My current work in progress manuscript has the working title of “The God of Old Women and Butterflies”).
Dearest Marisol, Living and loving I don't believe we can have one without the other. Bless the rains, the expose love and living. With deep appreciation, my friend. Thank you.
Beautifully written. I haven't been to Texas since we totaled the RV and my husband has only been once. I imagine he'll go again this year, and if I go, I hope to drink in the beauty around me.
Will do. I don't know how far Cuero is from Austin. Can't remember the name of the town that the other sister moved to, but it's probably within 2-3 hours of Cuero. This would be fun!
Beautiful… I can smell the Earth. So grateful for ordinary days at this age of life they hold the present with the future promise of this too shall pass as all things do as the river of time flows through us. Thank you for the beauty of your words and spirit.
Trude, I always appreciate your kind and beautiful comments. And yes, thank you for reminding me of "this too shall pass." Sending big hugs and so much love.
In this difficult time, it's hard sometimes to find the beauty, create anything, write words that matter, or make kindness. And yet, we must keep trying. Otherwise, what's the point?
When we feel weary, it helps knowing we can lean on each other, and we can always depend on Mother Nature to nudge us along with gentle reminders. Spring is one giant reminder.
A favorite quote of mine seems fitting:
“Find a bit of beauty in the world today.
Share it. If you can’t find it, create it.
Some days this may be hard to do.
Persevere.” - Lisa Bonchek Adams (Lisa died in 2015 from mbc)
Thank you for your beautiful writing, my friend. Grateful you're part of my world.
That was great! And it would make a fine recitation, too. Honestly, you could totally bring that to a slam, and be well received. I bet you’d make the second round! Well done.🙏🏽
Yesterday was 90 degrees in Baltimore. Tornado warnings sounded on the radio last evening. Today it is snowing. My daffodils pushed through yesterday and look pretty in the snow. The earth reminds us to adapt and grow in this unpredictable world. Like so many others in this thread, I agree living and loving are what life is all about.
I have enjoyed the conversation, Stephanie. Thanks for the inspiration!
“Life asks us to work with what is given, threading it together with care, mercy and service.” This, right now, is the immediate work, in spite of weariness and because of it.
May we continue to be grateful for the inner work that inspires the creative self to continue making things. . .
Somebody woke up this morning in the bright, warm light of Spring ... good for you! This was lovely and so full of energy and enthusiasm. Indeed, it was like hearing all your sleepy winter-fatigued cells yawning and greeting the new season, ready for anything that comes your way.
Wise words: "Light follows the darkness" and green pushes through the pavement. Spring follows winter. And by continuing to practice being the best of ourselves and growing the community and culture we want to live in, we bring spring to the human world. Slowly, gradually and with growing strength and determination. Thank you for showing the way, Stephanie! Hugs to you.
Sister of the Earth Medicine — may we fill each other with Crone wisdom and the grace of inspiration. Forever will you and your girls be in my heart. (Ruby and Woody too) Thank you for . . . so much.
We are makers, not destroyers. I think that’s why reading and writing Substack is so satisfying to me. No shortage of empathy or kindness, here, just people making things . . .
Thank you for this. Beautiful words. Even in these very tough times it's important to remember the beauty around us and the joy we can find there.
Yes, Meg. You get it -- this is the work before us. May your day offer unexpected delights.
Yes. This is how we practice. Rumi: Let the beauty we love be what we do./There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground. Thank you, Stephanie.
One of my most favorite Rumi quotes. Thank you, Susan. I hope you got the same rains as we did here in Austin. Everything feels nourished. . .
Yes, an inch and a quarter over the past several days. The trees and grasses are grateful, as are we.
So glad the rains reached out to you -- it's been too hot and dry here, and like you, plant and animal kin alike are grateful.
Beautiful reflection, Stephanie. And I love the new butterfly in the Creative Eldering heading—such a lovely symbol of renewal and transformation✨💖🙏
Thank you Camilla. How can we not love the butterfly story, from worm to colored wings, lighting upon the flowers of our world. Biggest of hugs my friend.
I also love the new butterfly design and totally agree with you, Camilla!
Butterflies feel like my spirit guides. Thanks. The design is from Nan Tepper. She did a great job. (My current work in progress manuscript has the working title of “The God of Old Women and Butterflies”).
Wow. Nan is incredibly talented. Your Substack looks incredible. Your work-in-progress manuscript sounds awesome!
May spring’s soaking rains
wash wounds, soothe world’s stinging pains.
While we keep l(i/o)ving~
Dearest Marisol, Living and loving I don't believe we can have one without the other. Bless the rains, the expose love and living. With deep appreciation, my friend. Thank you.
Beautifully written. I haven't been to Texas since we totaled the RV and my husband has only been once. I imagine he'll go again this year, and if I go, I hope to drink in the beauty around me.
www.writeradvice.com
And if you're near Austin, Lynn, make sure you reach out. I'd love to host dinner for you guys. Big hugs.
Will do. I don't know how far Cuero is from Austin. Can't remember the name of the town that the other sister moved to, but it's probably within 2-3 hours of Cuero. This would be fun!
Cuero is about two hours south of Austin. Biggest of hugs and hope to see you soon.
I mentioned this to Richard this morning. We'll be there someday.
Beautiful… I can smell the Earth. So grateful for ordinary days at this age of life they hold the present with the future promise of this too shall pass as all things do as the river of time flows through us. Thank you for the beauty of your words and spirit.
Trude, I always appreciate your kind and beautiful comments. And yes, thank you for reminding me of "this too shall pass." Sending big hugs and so much love.
Hi Stephanie,
In this difficult time, it's hard sometimes to find the beauty, create anything, write words that matter, or make kindness. And yet, we must keep trying. Otherwise, what's the point?
When we feel weary, it helps knowing we can lean on each other, and we can always depend on Mother Nature to nudge us along with gentle reminders. Spring is one giant reminder.
A favorite quote of mine seems fitting:
“Find a bit of beauty in the world today.
Share it. If you can’t find it, create it.
Some days this may be hard to do.
Persevere.” - Lisa Bonchek Adams (Lisa died in 2015 from mbc)
Thank you for your beautiful writing, my friend. Grateful you're part of my world.
Agreed — we must keep trying. Here’s to gentle spring nudges.
That was great! And it would make a fine recitation, too. Honestly, you could totally bring that to a slam, and be well received. I bet you’d make the second round! Well done.🙏🏽
Thanks, Eric. Write on . . .
Yesterday was 90 degrees in Baltimore. Tornado warnings sounded on the radio last evening. Today it is snowing. My daffodils pushed through yesterday and look pretty in the snow. The earth reminds us to adapt and grow in this unpredictable world. Like so many others in this thread, I agree living and loving are what life is all about.
I have enjoyed the conversation, Stephanie. Thanks for the inspiration!
The light and shadow of ordinary and extraordinary. I’ve enjoyed the conversation too. Big hugs, Judith.
To sow in the weeds of life: a rite of passage.
Stitching life into the cracks and gaps where cruelty and indifference harden.
Life asks us to work with what is given, threading it together with care, mercy, and service.
As Rilke recently taught me: remain faithful to the question—how to sow within my inner life and stitch together what is true to my life.
Can’t wait to talk with you about Rilke!
“Life asks us to work with what is given, threading it together with care, mercy and service.” This, right now, is the immediate work, in spite of weariness and because of it.
May we continue to be grateful for the inner work that inspires the creative self to continue making things. . .
Yes, perhaps a call over the weekend, good to know what threads our needle and how to use it so we find the middle path. Weary, but hopeful :)
Weary, but hopeful — indeed.
Gorgeous, Stephanie! You are such an inspiration. (Heart)
Thank you for gifting me such kind words. Big hugs, Mary Jo.
Somebody woke up this morning in the bright, warm light of Spring ... good for you! This was lovely and so full of energy and enthusiasm. Indeed, it was like hearing all your sleepy winter-fatigued cells yawning and greeting the new season, ready for anything that comes your way.
Here’s to a beautiful spring. Big hugs, Sue and write on . . .
Wise words: "Light follows the darkness" and green pushes through the pavement. Spring follows winter. And by continuing to practice being the best of ourselves and growing the community and culture we want to live in, we bring spring to the human world. Slowly, gradually and with growing strength and determination. Thank you for showing the way, Stephanie! Hugs to you.
So much love and goodwill Sus. I glean so many earth prayers from reading about your practice. You are in my heart. Big hugs.
Beautiful sister poet.
Your writing always makes me feel kinder to myself, the Earth blessings, and all of those around me.
I needed this little boost today
Thank you, dear friend
Sister of the Earth Medicine — may we fill each other with Crone wisdom and the grace of inspiration. Forever will you and your girls be in my heart. (Ruby and Woody too) Thank you for . . . so much.
Finding beauty in the small things is how I try to practice joy. This is a wonderful reminder, thank you, Stephanie.💕
Reading your Substack is a practice of joy for me. May we always remind each other of the beauty around us. Love and live as our friend Marisol, says.
Stephanie, this is beautiful. I love your list of things to make.❤️
We are makers, not destroyers. I think that’s why reading and writing Substack is so satisfying to me. No shortage of empathy or kindness, here, just people making things . . .