Poetry is a "shaping" play -- the cadence of words, the form upon the page, and the feeling tone of an economic language. Sending appreciation and goodwill. Thanks for commenting.
Beautiful. I'm getting ready to sell too. Sometimes I feel uncertain and other times exhilarated. Either way, life is pushing me toward change. Good luck to you.
Trevy, I can certainly relate to the emotional juxtaposition of uncertainty and exhilaration. It's quite the roller coaster. Sending you all good wishes and goodwill for an easy sale and an exciting and wonderful new adventure.
Stephanie. Thank you for the mention and that poem - wow! I can feel the call, the journey in the lines and in between.
I wish you magic…so much magic…magic in the forest, magic in the trails, magic near the flowing waters.
I long for this kind of living also. Do you have any idea what direction you might be headed.
I too will be making a move, only next door but it feels monumental to me. Some days I’m so excited. Other days I’m anxious. It feels like a stepping stone to what is to come. So much has fallen away…I am doing my best to live into the becoming of the next chapter.
I wish my life was a bit more settled feeling these days. But it’s not, so I’m learning to embrace this too, and have a good cry every now and then.
Dearest Lila, I wonder if any of us ever live settled lives. Like you, I'm filled with excitement and anticipation and also with anxiety -- it's such a big move, especially at this age and stage of life. We are headed to the Granite Bay/Folsom area in northern California, just outside of Sacramento.
As for a good cries -- that's the cleansing that gets me through the challenges too. Thank you for the good wishes; for the deep understanding of connection with forest trails; thank you for sharing your wonderful artistic self. All of you is a blessing.
Gosh, Husband and I are also planning on putting our house up for sale again this spring. It's strange to think about leaving a space that's been home for over 20 years. But it's time. Past time even. I hope your sale happens without too much worry and stress. Nice knowing someone else is on a similar path. Trying to think of it as a great life adventure. I look forward to reading more about yours.
Your poem is exquisite. Change can be hard and scary, and it is an inner and outer journey, for sure. Love that. Thank you for yet another wonderful piece. And thank you for the mention. I appreciate you.
I wish the same easy move for you that you have wished for me. A great adventure, indeed. I'm currently taking a class on Homer's "Odyssey," and here and there I slivers of myself and others in the story -- all of us on this great epic adventure that is sure to shape us and change us as we get closer to our true home . . .
I was in my very late 50s when life's tides pushed me to realize I too needed to start a new chapter by forest trails and water. I sold nearly everything and with my cat in my Subaru at the end of January nonetheless, made my way from Denver through a blizzard over Bozeman pass to Seattle area. 9 years ago now and life in the Pacific Northwest is sweet and nourishing. May your journey be all that ...it will be. Best to you.
Deborah, your comment means so very much to me. Your supportive and encouraging words are balm for my real estate weary soul! I appreciate the goodwill and welcoming to this next chapter and adventure. Thank you very much for your kindness.
Thanks for stopping by and for commenting "a womb of intent . . ." don't you just love when phrases arise in us to guide our way. So much of my learning about writing poetry is to expose the extraordinary within the ordinary.
Well, looks like this time it will happen! I think of what it would mean to move out of our home (22 years thus far) and then I don't want to even think about it. May this move be easy. And I look forward to meeting you in person when you live in northern California!
I loved this post. I wish you luck on the sale of your house, and I'm wishing you find a place near the forest paths and water you love.
Your poem is stunning, chock full of images and so well-crafted. Like Susan, I really love the various line lengths, which all work well to complement and craft the poem.
Thank you for the shout-out and for saying that I paint my poems onto canvas! Awesome reference. Thank you again.
Sending wishes for you to sell your home and find the place of your dreams.
You never fail to make me feel seen and supported, Beth. Thank you for that. I loved the short lines in this particular poem, too. It was fun to work with the shape of the poem as dictated by line length.
Thank you so much for the mention, Stephanie. Your experience and your poem remind me of a cross-country move I made just two years ago, leaving behind longtime friends and some family. Writing in anticipation helped and I have continued to write since (poetry, journaling) to sort out my feelings around change and transition. Setting down new roots is exciting ... and unsettling ... and rewarding. You seem to be taking it well in stride. ❤️
Julie, it gives me strength to know that you did this a couple of years ago. And like you, I'm sure that I'll have a journal and pen close by throughout the process. Exciting and unsettling -- you got that right. Thank you.
And Stephanie, none of my plans worked out the way I thought they would. Yet, everything is good. What appeared to be delays and detours were actually good timing. I have opportunities where I am now that I never would have had if I had stayed with my familiar life, home and surroundings. This leap of faith, although challenging to the core, has been eye-opening and refreshing. An intriguing and unexpected transition in my so-called "senior" years 😉 You've got this!
The calling is never heeded; the journey never taken, without risk. And if one gives over to the divine process of it all (however that's held), then I believe we wind up in exactly the right place. And your reminder of how this journey may not look like I think it will, is EXACTLY what I needed to read and ponder this evening. Thank you.
Very powerful, Stephanie! This resonates with me so much right now. My husband has retired and this weekend we are starting to "clear out" in anticipation of a possible move to be near our grandson hopefully, within the next few years. We don't have a home to sell, but the uncertainty, the call to purpose, ancient memories of raising our boys in this place, the outer vs inner journey - all weighing heavily right now. Thank you so much for sharing!
True, isn't it -- both the outer journey and the inner one weigh heavy. It sounds like you are moving toward something rather than away from something. That's the place I'm in too -- I want to move closer to forest trails and water and it's the forward motion that feels like an answering of the call.
Stephanie, the craft and content of your writing always engage me, and I must admit, this post invokes my curiosity about the content especially. I’m curious about the motivation to move and if you’re moving to a different state, a different country… I don’t know if you’ve read Kirsten Power’s writing, but she’s documenting a move to Italy reflecting a yearning for a slower pace of life. La dolce vita far niente. Whatever the motivation, may your transition be full of ease and stress-free. Please do practice the art of extreme self care.♥️🙏🏼🕊
Thank you for a very king and gentle prompt to practice the art of "extreme" self-care. Like your friend, Kirsten Powers, I'm also moving to a place where I feel the pace will be slower. My husband and I have identified an area northeast of San Francisco -- the Granite Bay / Folsom area. There are abundant hiking and nature trails, and lots of water, Folsom Lake, Lake Natoma, Gold River and American River.
The area is known as a salad bowl -- lots of fresh veggies and fruit. We do not have that here -- we have trails, but they are craggy and difficult to navigate. . . not quite age appropriate. LOL. And the food scene in here is truly great if you love barbeque and tacos.
Thank you for the good wishes. I hope my house doesn't spend another year sitting on the market. A brave new adventure awaits.
Wow, I'm excited for you Stephanie! I've long loved San Francisco and have always been curious about Northern California. I will be following your adventures with keen interest. Many blessings for the sale of your house and for a smooth transition🥰✨🌟💖🙏🕊️😘
Stephanie, I like your play with line length here. Beautiful on the page. Artifactual. Thank you.
Poetry is a "shaping" play -- the cadence of words, the form upon the page, and the feeling tone of an economic language. Sending appreciation and goodwill. Thanks for commenting.
Beautiful. I'm getting ready to sell too. Sometimes I feel uncertain and other times exhilarated. Either way, life is pushing me toward change. Good luck to you.
Trevy, I can certainly relate to the emotional juxtaposition of uncertainty and exhilaration. It's quite the roller coaster. Sending you all good wishes and goodwill for an easy sale and an exciting and wonderful new adventure.
Thank you❣️
Trevy, I am sending all good energy for your sale and move too! May both bring you to where you can be nourished and sustained in the years to come.
Much appreciation and goodwill, Susan. Thanks for the support and encouragement for both Trevy and I. Big hugs.
Thank you, Susan. You've been inspiring!
Stephanie. Thank you for the mention and that poem - wow! I can feel the call, the journey in the lines and in between.
I wish you magic…so much magic…magic in the forest, magic in the trails, magic near the flowing waters.
I long for this kind of living also. Do you have any idea what direction you might be headed.
I too will be making a move, only next door but it feels monumental to me. Some days I’m so excited. Other days I’m anxious. It feels like a stepping stone to what is to come. So much has fallen away…I am doing my best to live into the becoming of the next chapter.
I wish my life was a bit more settled feeling these days. But it’s not, so I’m learning to embrace this too, and have a good cry every now and then.
❤️
Dearest Lila, I wonder if any of us ever live settled lives. Like you, I'm filled with excitement and anticipation and also with anxiety -- it's such a big move, especially at this age and stage of life. We are headed to the Granite Bay/Folsom area in northern California, just outside of Sacramento.
As for a good cries -- that's the cleansing that gets me through the challenges too. Thank you for the good wishes; for the deep understanding of connection with forest trails; thank you for sharing your wonderful artistic self. All of you is a blessing.
Stephanie! ❤️❤️❤️
I look forward to hearing about your move and transitions.
Hi Stephanie,
Gosh, Husband and I are also planning on putting our house up for sale again this spring. It's strange to think about leaving a space that's been home for over 20 years. But it's time. Past time even. I hope your sale happens without too much worry and stress. Nice knowing someone else is on a similar path. Trying to think of it as a great life adventure. I look forward to reading more about yours.
Your poem is exquisite. Change can be hard and scary, and it is an inner and outer journey, for sure. Love that. Thank you for yet another wonderful piece. And thank you for the mention. I appreciate you.
I wish the same easy move for you that you have wished for me. A great adventure, indeed. I'm currently taking a class on Homer's "Odyssey," and here and there I slivers of myself and others in the story -- all of us on this great epic adventure that is sure to shape us and change us as we get closer to our true home . . .
I was in my very late 50s when life's tides pushed me to realize I too needed to start a new chapter by forest trails and water. I sold nearly everything and with my cat in my Subaru at the end of January nonetheless, made my way from Denver through a blizzard over Bozeman pass to Seattle area. 9 years ago now and life in the Pacific Northwest is sweet and nourishing. May your journey be all that ...it will be. Best to you.
Deborah, your comment means so very much to me. Your supportive and encouraging words are balm for my real estate weary soul! I appreciate the goodwill and welcoming to this next chapter and adventure. Thank you very much for your kindness.
"...a womb of intent"...I love that phrase. 💚
Thanks for stopping by and for commenting "a womb of intent . . ." don't you just love when phrases arise in us to guide our way. So much of my learning about writing poetry is to expose the extraordinary within the ordinary.
I am neither a poet or a writer, but I am able to immerse myself into the picture you paint with words. Thank you.
Thank you, Jan. And . . . are you sure you're not a poet? Maybe searching out a blank page and pen? Big hugs.
Well, looks like this time it will happen! I think of what it would mean to move out of our home (22 years thus far) and then I don't want to even think about it. May this move be easy. And I look forward to meeting you in person when you live in northern California!
Aww, thank you, Francine. I look forward to seeing you in California! Biggest of hugs.
Stephanie,
I loved this post. I wish you luck on the sale of your house, and I'm wishing you find a place near the forest paths and water you love.
Your poem is stunning, chock full of images and so well-crafted. Like Susan, I really love the various line lengths, which all work well to complement and craft the poem.
Thank you for the shout-out and for saying that I paint my poems onto canvas! Awesome reference. Thank you again.
Sending wishes for you to sell your home and find the place of your dreams.
Xo Beth
You never fail to make me feel seen and supported, Beth. Thank you for that. I loved the short lines in this particular poem, too. It was fun to work with the shape of the poem as dictated by line length.
Thank you so much for the mention, Stephanie. Your experience and your poem remind me of a cross-country move I made just two years ago, leaving behind longtime friends and some family. Writing in anticipation helped and I have continued to write since (poetry, journaling) to sort out my feelings around change and transition. Setting down new roots is exciting ... and unsettling ... and rewarding. You seem to be taking it well in stride. ❤️
Julie, it gives me strength to know that you did this a couple of years ago. And like you, I'm sure that I'll have a journal and pen close by throughout the process. Exciting and unsettling -- you got that right. Thank you.
And Stephanie, none of my plans worked out the way I thought they would. Yet, everything is good. What appeared to be delays and detours were actually good timing. I have opportunities where I am now that I never would have had if I had stayed with my familiar life, home and surroundings. This leap of faith, although challenging to the core, has been eye-opening and refreshing. An intriguing and unexpected transition in my so-called "senior" years 😉 You've got this!
The calling is never heeded; the journey never taken, without risk. And if one gives over to the divine process of it all (however that's held), then I believe we wind up in exactly the right place. And your reminder of how this journey may not look like I think it will, is EXACTLY what I needed to read and ponder this evening. Thank you.
Very powerful, Stephanie! This resonates with me so much right now. My husband has retired and this weekend we are starting to "clear out" in anticipation of a possible move to be near our grandson hopefully, within the next few years. We don't have a home to sell, but the uncertainty, the call to purpose, ancient memories of raising our boys in this place, the outer vs inner journey - all weighing heavily right now. Thank you so much for sharing!
True, isn't it -- both the outer journey and the inner one weigh heavy. It sounds like you are moving toward something rather than away from something. That's the place I'm in too -- I want to move closer to forest trails and water and it's the forward motion that feels like an answering of the call.
Stephanie, the craft and content of your writing always engage me, and I must admit, this post invokes my curiosity about the content especially. I’m curious about the motivation to move and if you’re moving to a different state, a different country… I don’t know if you’ve read Kirsten Power’s writing, but she’s documenting a move to Italy reflecting a yearning for a slower pace of life. La dolce vita far niente. Whatever the motivation, may your transition be full of ease and stress-free. Please do practice the art of extreme self care.♥️🙏🏼🕊
Thank you for a very king and gentle prompt to practice the art of "extreme" self-care. Like your friend, Kirsten Powers, I'm also moving to a place where I feel the pace will be slower. My husband and I have identified an area northeast of San Francisco -- the Granite Bay / Folsom area. There are abundant hiking and nature trails, and lots of water, Folsom Lake, Lake Natoma, Gold River and American River.
The area is known as a salad bowl -- lots of fresh veggies and fruit. We do not have that here -- we have trails, but they are craggy and difficult to navigate. . . not quite age appropriate. LOL. And the food scene in here is truly great if you love barbeque and tacos.
Thank you for the good wishes. I hope my house doesn't spend another year sitting on the market. A brave new adventure awaits.
Wow, I'm excited for you Stephanie! I've long loved San Francisco and have always been curious about Northern California. I will be following your adventures with keen interest. Many blessings for the sale of your house and for a smooth transition🥰✨🌟💖🙏🕊️😘
Thanks, Camilla. It's an epic, for sure.