Thank you for sharing this story from Creatrix Rising, and for shining the light of love on that lost and confused you. Bless Smokey for showing up then, at Santa Monica College, and for inviting you to learn to value and appreciate yourself. And bless you for taking that lesson to heart! I'm tickled that you got your degree in Writing and Poetics from Naropa--I remember giving a talk there when my first book, Pieces of Light, A Year on Colorado's Front Range, came out in 1990. Maybe we met then. Wouldn't that be a kick! Big hugs to you, amazing and wondrous woman that you are.
Is it possible that our paths crossed? I was there in 1990 . . . right in the thick of it. Computer on every morning at 7:00AM to write for two hours; stacks of authors and classics not previously read; poetry readings at Penny Lane on Pearl Street; and a sweet, sweet memory of Smokey and the light that he was in my life. Most of all, Susan, I discovered this part of myself that loved being a student -- and I feel like I still am that student. It was, as I've said, the greatest act of self-love in my life, a door opening, a heart opening, the unending adventure of self-knowledge unfolding. Biggest of hugs, my friend.
I would say that you are still that student, and you are still acting out of self-love as you continue to explore and learn, opening doors and your heart and spirit as you drink in knowledge about our relationship with the world around us and how we can honor that sacred connection with the whole living world. xoxoxo
Hi Stephanie, what a moving piece! Smokey sounds absolutely wonderful and it's great that you and he crossed paths. I love all of your beautiful writing, and I especially love this part: "it’s never too late for reinvention or reclamation, and that we all deserve the grace of a second chances." This is a great reminder that even on our worst of days, there is an element of hope and opportunity to reinvent oneself.
I'm glad you received your degree in Writing and Poetics. Your love of writing is terrific, and it's great that you followed your passion. I originally went to college to become a veterinarian, but quickly realized that being an English major would feed my passion the best. I also had a mentor, my freshman English professor who was behind me with every step of the way.
Some people scoff at people who give their all to writing and the liberal arts. As far as I'm concerned, they are the ones that are missing out. Being a writer is a blessing.
Smokey was one of the great touchstones of my life. The liberal arts and the humanities can inform the human spirit and shape the way the we relate to and with the world. I'm so very grateful for my education, in part because it almost didn't happen. One of the gifts of getting through school so much later in life was that I had some life experience under my belt, so I could recognize someone like Smokey and understand the value of his mentoring, friendship and inspiration. As always, Beth, I so appreciate your thoughtful reading of what I write. Sending you love, hugs and delightful writing. Write on.
Big hugs, Jan. I think we all have "quite a journey" to share. And my journey was made easier by unexpected helpers, like Smokey. He was a light and a touchstone for courage in my life.
My heart resonates to this story that is so beautiful, so true, Stephanie. It's been a few years since I've read Creatrix Rising and I'm thrilled to read the story again here. I relate to so much of this experience, especially to that unlikely person who reaches out his/her hand at just the right time and then we start. Shalom.
Thank you, Mary. I love this story too because of what it represents in my life -- a big turning point in which I started to become alive and aware of the goodness in my own soul. It's so much easier to love and have compassion for others once we begin to love and have compassion for ourselves. Smokey was an unexpected light in my darkness, for which I will always be grateful. Shalom, my friend, and todah.
Dear Stephanie, It is "the greatest Acts of Self-Love" that fosters the rich life you have cultivated to share your love and wisdom with others. I am honored to have this piece dedicated to me. WOW! I want to read Creatrix Rising. Receiving this today means more than you know!
"The regret of the shadow that follows you."
I was not aware of the burden of shadow, the predator in the collective psyche, the monster from early nightmares, and 'the why' I was alienated from my body, soul, heart and living a self-destructive life of inebriation and cheap sex until I met my first soul guide and therapist Eunice at ~ age 20. I was crawling on my knees and fortunate to have a college roommate that "saw me" and said I know someone who can help you. I was on death row and didn't have a clue or inclination toward self-love. Over many years of close guidance and mentoring with Eunice—all of that changed. I recognize some of not loving myself was encoded in my bloodline, modeled by the women in my life who were subdued or powered-over or property. I'm still seeing into the darkest corners of the unconscious—to harvest more treasure. The place to ask questions, uncover, and receive the answers for re-envisioning life anew.
I will cherish this reply and hold it close to my heart. You could be, and were, talking about my younger life. Metal forged by the flame becomes stronger -- and that is a metaphor for women like us, who have walked through that fire, lived to tell the tale, and then through unexpected and unusual grace, built lives would lift up others. You are a kindred spirit and I can't wait to meet you one day and hug you close! "Til then, may you walk in peace and gentleness. ~Stephanie
Thank you Stephanie. Your words are poetic and deep every time. I know we will meet soon. I am envisioning your house bought so you move on to this area, and we are closer by. If this is what the Creatrix and you are brewing in your deep well of wisdom. I am lifted by you-for sure.
Thank you for sharing this story from Creatrix Rising, and for shining the light of love on that lost and confused you. Bless Smokey for showing up then, at Santa Monica College, and for inviting you to learn to value and appreciate yourself. And bless you for taking that lesson to heart! I'm tickled that you got your degree in Writing and Poetics from Naropa--I remember giving a talk there when my first book, Pieces of Light, A Year on Colorado's Front Range, came out in 1990. Maybe we met then. Wouldn't that be a kick! Big hugs to you, amazing and wondrous woman that you are.
Is it possible that our paths crossed? I was there in 1990 . . . right in the thick of it. Computer on every morning at 7:00AM to write for two hours; stacks of authors and classics not previously read; poetry readings at Penny Lane on Pearl Street; and a sweet, sweet memory of Smokey and the light that he was in my life. Most of all, Susan, I discovered this part of myself that loved being a student -- and I feel like I still am that student. It was, as I've said, the greatest act of self-love in my life, a door opening, a heart opening, the unending adventure of self-knowledge unfolding. Biggest of hugs, my friend.
Maybe they did! Isn't that a lovely thought. :)
I would say that you are still that student, and you are still acting out of self-love as you continue to explore and learn, opening doors and your heart and spirit as you drink in knowledge about our relationship with the world around us and how we can honor that sacred connection with the whole living world. xoxoxo
Hi Stephanie, what a moving piece! Smokey sounds absolutely wonderful and it's great that you and he crossed paths. I love all of your beautiful writing, and I especially love this part: "it’s never too late for reinvention or reclamation, and that we all deserve the grace of a second chances." This is a great reminder that even on our worst of days, there is an element of hope and opportunity to reinvent oneself.
I'm glad you received your degree in Writing and Poetics. Your love of writing is terrific, and it's great that you followed your passion. I originally went to college to become a veterinarian, but quickly realized that being an English major would feed my passion the best. I also had a mentor, my freshman English professor who was behind me with every step of the way.
Some people scoff at people who give their all to writing and the liberal arts. As far as I'm concerned, they are the ones that are missing out. Being a writer is a blessing.
Thank you for this poignant, beautiful post.
Smokey was one of the great touchstones of my life. The liberal arts and the humanities can inform the human spirit and shape the way the we relate to and with the world. I'm so very grateful for my education, in part because it almost didn't happen. One of the gifts of getting through school so much later in life was that I had some life experience under my belt, so I could recognize someone like Smokey and understand the value of his mentoring, friendship and inspiration. As always, Beth, I so appreciate your thoughtful reading of what I write. Sending you love, hugs and delightful writing. Write on.
Thanks for sharing this Stephanie. It's been quite a journey for you.
Big hugs, Jan. I think we all have "quite a journey" to share. And my journey was made easier by unexpected helpers, like Smokey. He was a light and a touchstone for courage in my life.
Sending you big hugs and goodwill. ~Stephanie
My heart resonates to this story that is so beautiful, so true, Stephanie. It's been a few years since I've read Creatrix Rising and I'm thrilled to read the story again here. I relate to so much of this experience, especially to that unlikely person who reaches out his/her hand at just the right time and then we start. Shalom.
Thank you, Mary. I love this story too because of what it represents in my life -- a big turning point in which I started to become alive and aware of the goodness in my own soul. It's so much easier to love and have compassion for others once we begin to love and have compassion for ourselves. Smokey was an unexpected light in my darkness, for which I will always be grateful. Shalom, my friend, and todah.
Dear Stephanie, It is "the greatest Acts of Self-Love" that fosters the rich life you have cultivated to share your love and wisdom with others. I am honored to have this piece dedicated to me. WOW! I want to read Creatrix Rising. Receiving this today means more than you know!
"The regret of the shadow that follows you."
I was not aware of the burden of shadow, the predator in the collective psyche, the monster from early nightmares, and 'the why' I was alienated from my body, soul, heart and living a self-destructive life of inebriation and cheap sex until I met my first soul guide and therapist Eunice at ~ age 20. I was crawling on my knees and fortunate to have a college roommate that "saw me" and said I know someone who can help you. I was on death row and didn't have a clue or inclination toward self-love. Over many years of close guidance and mentoring with Eunice—all of that changed. I recognize some of not loving myself was encoded in my bloodline, modeled by the women in my life who were subdued or powered-over or property. I'm still seeing into the darkest corners of the unconscious—to harvest more treasure. The place to ask questions, uncover, and receive the answers for re-envisioning life anew.
Thank you again dear sister and cherished friend.
I will cherish this reply and hold it close to my heart. You could be, and were, talking about my younger life. Metal forged by the flame becomes stronger -- and that is a metaphor for women like us, who have walked through that fire, lived to tell the tale, and then through unexpected and unusual grace, built lives would lift up others. You are a kindred spirit and I can't wait to meet you one day and hug you close! "Til then, may you walk in peace and gentleness. ~Stephanie
Thank you Stephanie. Your words are poetic and deep every time. I know we will meet soon. I am envisioning your house bought so you move on to this area, and we are closer by. If this is what the Creatrix and you are brewing in your deep well of wisdom. I am lifted by you-for sure.