"We can’t rescue the world by turning back time, but we can learn from our errors if we take the time to be accountable and examine them closely. We can slow down and shift our attention to the slow, devoted work of going back over things, reinforcing them if necessary, one silk button at a time. We can’t prevent the inevitable but we can stave it off temporarily with small efforts and acts of devotion" - I absolutely love this Leah. It resonates so much. Things like this can also be a form of meditation. ❤️
In a similar vein of thought, I sally forth to shovels the walks, both ours and the neighbours, all subsumed under drifts of snow.. Usually I'm listening to something, not always worthy, but often enough it's a podcast or an interview, elaborating on the latest outrage by The Great Pumpkin or Drug Fraud our Premier. The inevitable feelings of outrage are energizing when faced with a boring and repetitive task but in truth, there is a sense of satisfaction when it's completed.
Yes Leah! Small positive steps. Taking care of our immediate world first. Bird by bird. And your mending gave me an idea for what to listen to when organizing taxes, so it’s enjoyable and not overly weighted. thanks
I completely understand. Every so often I am overtaken with the urge to do something I usually avoid like the plague. Today, for example, I reorganized the kitchen cupboards. I do feel good and I won’t be embarrassed when our extremely organized guest arrives later this week!
It’s a poignant concept and one with which I want to agree, and do in many circumstances. It’s got me thinking about personal relationships though, some of which I’ve let go of, likely forever. I suppose mending can happen unilaterally or, through the woo woo cosmos, as well as in the more conventional ways.
Best of luck on your newest venture Leah. The White Room strikes me as an evolution as you find ways to help others. I support the idea that the best way out of our own dilemmas (dilemmae?) is to find new ways to give. Your writing suggestions you still have much to share.
It is raining. Has been for several days running. The pruning of our olive trees has to be postponed until the rain relents and the branches of the trees dry in the breezes coming off the mountains. Then, for hours every day, for a few days running, snip, snip, snip. It doesn't make one mindless, it allows for various other breezes to enter one's mind from the synaptic release of one's cares by the easy, repetitive work. Until then, I fidget and squirm and bark madly at the goings on.
(Meant as a compliment) this could so easily morph from personal essay, to Can-lit style short story. It was poetic, beautiful, and of-the-times. Miss your longer form writing.
"We can’t rescue the world by turning back time, but we can learn from our errors if we take the time to be accountable and examine them closely. We can slow down and shift our attention to the slow, devoted work of going back over things, reinforcing them if necessary, one silk button at a time. We can’t prevent the inevitable but we can stave it off temporarily with small efforts and acts of devotion" - I absolutely love this Leah. It resonates so much. Things like this can also be a form of meditation. ❤️
Thank you! Such a kind and thoughtful comment. And yes, writing and reading (and sewing!) are a form of meditation, I could not agree more.
In a similar vein of thought, I sally forth to shovels the walks, both ours and the neighbours, all subsumed under drifts of snow.. Usually I'm listening to something, not always worthy, but often enough it's a podcast or an interview, elaborating on the latest outrage by The Great Pumpkin or Drug Fraud our Premier. The inevitable feelings of outrage are energizing when faced with a boring and repetitive task but in truth, there is a sense of satisfaction when it's completed.
I wish there was a British version of shovelling the neighbours walk
Yes Leah! Small positive steps. Taking care of our immediate world first. Bird by bird. And your mending gave me an idea for what to listen to when organizing taxes, so it’s enjoyable and not overly weighted. thanks
you are most welcome xx
I completely understand. Every so often I am overtaken with the urge to do something I usually avoid like the plague. Today, for example, I reorganized the kitchen cupboards. I do feel good and I won’t be embarrassed when our extremely organized guest arrives later this week!
so good… hope the visit went well x
Gorgeous, gorgeous final paragraph. I cannot believe how much I needed to hear those words today. 🙏🏼
anytime x
Wonderful read!
Ah....so true.....and lovely writing woven into the thread.
What a wonderful column Leah. You write so beautifully.
thanks babe! x
Excellent. What a great way to start my day! Juvenescence: The story of a woman becoming wise.
God, I HOPE SO xxx
“Nothing broken is ever past mending.”
It’s a poignant concept and one with which I want to agree, and do in many circumstances. It’s got me thinking about personal relationships though, some of which I’ve let go of, likely forever. I suppose mending can happen unilaterally or, through the woo woo cosmos, as well as in the more conventional ways.
It definitely can. Letting go is sometimes a form of mending… relationships ebb and flow
Best of luck on your newest venture Leah. The White Room strikes me as an evolution as you find ways to help others. I support the idea that the best way out of our own dilemmas (dilemmae?) is to find new ways to give. Your writing suggestions you still have much to share.
this is so kind and sweet to say, it’s exhausting baby steps at the moment, encouragement much appreciated xx.
It is raining. Has been for several days running. The pruning of our olive trees has to be postponed until the rain relents and the branches of the trees dry in the breezes coming off the mountains. Then, for hours every day, for a few days running, snip, snip, snip. It doesn't make one mindless, it allows for various other breezes to enter one's mind from the synaptic release of one's cares by the easy, repetitive work. Until then, I fidget and squirm and bark madly at the goings on.
beautiful and with feeling x
(Meant as a compliment) this could so easily morph from personal essay, to Can-lit style short story. It was poetic, beautiful, and of-the-times. Miss your longer form writing.
I will take it as one! Thanks for your kindness