+ I will always listen to a Bob Putnam interview.
+ Curtis Mayfield is a balm.
+ Order and disorder a la Richard Rohr.
+ You're more powerful than you think.
+ How to survive being online.
And another quote that spoke to me this week:
+ I will always listen to a Bob Putnam interview.
+ Curtis Mayfield is a balm.
+ Order and disorder a la Richard Rohr.
+ You're more powerful than you think.
+ How to survive being online.
I turned 40 a few days later. What a gift it is to age! We then all tuned in to the fires that ravaged LA reminding us that climate change does not care about the size of your house or celebrity status. It's here and we all need to plan and act accordingly. Now, there's a new administration that not only ignores climate change but is set to take a bulldozer to programs that help protect many of the families I work directly with.
Whew.
The next few years will be a challenge and my work will certainly be needed more than ever. I plan to focus on these community efforts, seek out in-person connections, take adventures with my family, and find small joys every day. One of those joys, will be continuing to use this blog as a creative outlet. (Really hoping to kick my Instagram habit!) With that, here are a few links and internet findings:
+ New to me Mary Oliver poem
+ The perfect and easy-to-make lentil soup
+ The new season of All Creatures Great and Small did not disappoint. We are ready to move to Yorkshire Dales!
+ Low-fi playlist for hi-fi times (playlist creation is one of my favorite small joys!)
+ I've been revisiting Francis Weller and his concept of the long dark. Buckle up, headlights on!
+ Just finished this podcast and WOW. Highly recommend, keep an open mind.
Thanks for reading, friends. Chop wood, carry water, show up for the cause! New mantra for the next four years.
I meant to post here all month. The past few weeks were busy and emotion-filled. The election left me feeling disappointed, angry, and confused. How can we all see the world so differently?
Lately, I've been craving books, interviews, and words from north stars like Gregory Boyle, Ada Limon, Robin Wall Kimmerer, Tara Brach, and Nicholas Kristoff. I'm turning to the notion of active hope and have pledged to dig into work and community efforts even more. While I recognize that most everything is out of our control, my plan for the future is to find my role in this collective transition and live with intentionality and purpose.
Here are a few internet findings that have brought me a sense of peace and belonging:
+ The power of small groups.
+ Wildflower patches FTW!
+ Appreciated Oliver Burkeman's take on moving forward.
+ My Low Frequency playlist has been on repeat, plus this one with chill, nervous system regulating tunes.
+ Stress baked these cookies a handful of times. (Cook for 14 minutes)
+ More hope and human connection in divided times.
+ Just finished Greg Boyle's new book which was perfectly timed.
+ On gratitude and being in sacred relationship with life.
Friends of the Library sale book haul!
+ Current podcast obsession.
+ On a major Rising Appalachia kick after seeing them perform in Marshall, NC!
+ Must watch on Netflix!
+ You better believe I preordered this book.
+ For a chuckle.
+ Words to live by.
After the hurricane hit, a friend and I decided to take a last minute trip to lend a helping hand with whatever was needed. We ended up in Asheville, Burnsville, and Marshall where we rescued plants, picked up and dropped off supplies, and mucked out insane amounts of mud from a church and restaurant. It was a sobering and meaningful three days. Hoping to get back there again as these communities repair and rebuild.
If you're looking for ways to help from afar, I recommend supporting ROAR, Beloved Asheville, and the Nanostead.
Our summer ended around mid-August after a fantastic trip to Vermont and upstate New York. We've been back to school for 2 weeks now! It feels like the longest shortest time.
I've missed posting links and findings on here. Now that it's September, I'm hoping to get back on here with more regularity.
Now for the hits:
+ Loved everything about this and how we show up for our friends.
+ Much needed poem during these fast, frantic times.
+ LOL
+ Just finished this book which has taken me down quite a rabbit hole. Currently watching Ken Burns' 18 hour documentary on Vietnam.
+ Speaking of war, I'm tearing through this intense podcast. Incredible reporting.
+ On repeat.
+ Next read. Just put this one on hold.
+ Excited for this new show.