Whew.....easy to tell when you're pushed to the wire and not processing all of the worlds input as comfortably as you'd like. I had to stop reading, as every response made me weepy. Then i felt a moment of guilt at having missed the opportunity to offer my thoughts....although not your target intention my friend, thanks for the huge sign here that says 'TAKE IT DOWN A NOTCH, YOU'RE OK'
Happiest of Gratitude to you - looking forward to being in your company.
You are so very OK! And also, good for you for recognizing the need to dial back from time to time. The opportunity to offer your thoughts is always open in some form or other. Thank you, Kate, for being real and for sharing that here. Excited to see you soon! 🧡
Thank you, Elizabeth, and Happy Thanksgiving. I’m thankful for my family and friends and for this amazing place we found to make our home. As if the natural wonders aren’t enough, the people here make a community of care and love that I am so thankful for.
Suzanne, that phrase "a community of care" is so perfect, and it is, indeed, what sets this place apart from some others. The intentionality of those who've landed here to look after one another is truly remarkable. Thank you for the comment, and wishing you a beautiful celebration.
What a wonderful sharing of yours and of so many others as well. A bountiful essay! My cup runneth over, as they say. I've been thinking and thinking about this all day. Maybe our human journey is simply this, or partially this: to explore the possible, in the face of a world that speaks too much of its limits; to seek connections and connectedness, as an antidote to the conflicts that would sunder us; to take, when we can, the view from the appreciative mountain top, rather than to constantly mourn what's not working in the valley. I am not an avid believer, but I do like this passage from Philippians 4:8: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
Thank you, Elizabeth, for helping me think about such things. Happy Thanksgiving.
Exploring the possible seems to be what drives the ones who make the headlines, admittedly not always for the best reasons. But I'd like to think that paired with the quest for connection and a common good, it has the potential to make a real difference. Maybe the placebo effect is what we want!
Hope the days ahead are bright for you and yours, Stewart. So appreciate your presence here.
Thank you, Prue. I realize how Pollyanna the whole concept might seem for those who are fighting for their lives. But I also know how far my spirits can fall when I've declared something to be futile. The only way back up again, for me, is to come up with a new approach.
A beautiful post, Elizabeth. I seem to have missed it during its original timeframe, but these thoughts and seeds of hope are not time-bound, and I found them comforting this morning. I love this idea, too: “Does this not, then, support the prospect of collective consciousness, the power of prayer, or the possibility of promoting healing beyond our physical and geographical boundaries?” -- It was really nice to read the compilation of gratitudes from your readers.... such thoughtful and heartfelt comments that you invited and inspired people to share! Your holiday photo is gorgeous.... and so warm.
Thanks, Amy. There was a bit of intention in trying to capture thoughts that weren't relegated to Thanksgiving, since that holiday is strictly American. Like you, I was honored and moved to read what others felt inspired to share. We all have such unique experiences and perspectives, and generally those threads of hope and gratitude.
Apropos a former post of yours, I'm making baked feta & tomato pasta as I type! Smells yummy!! :)
Whew.....easy to tell when you're pushed to the wire and not processing all of the worlds input as comfortably as you'd like. I had to stop reading, as every response made me weepy. Then i felt a moment of guilt at having missed the opportunity to offer my thoughts....although not your target intention my friend, thanks for the huge sign here that says 'TAKE IT DOWN A NOTCH, YOU'RE OK'
Happiest of Gratitude to you - looking forward to being in your company.
You are so very OK! And also, good for you for recognizing the need to dial back from time to time. The opportunity to offer your thoughts is always open in some form or other. Thank you, Kate, for being real and for sharing that here. Excited to see you soon! 🧡
Thank you, Elizabeth, and Happy Thanksgiving. I’m thankful for my family and friends and for this amazing place we found to make our home. As if the natural wonders aren’t enough, the people here make a community of care and love that I am so thankful for.
Suzanne, that phrase "a community of care" is so perfect, and it is, indeed, what sets this place apart from some others. The intentionality of those who've landed here to look after one another is truly remarkable. Thank you for the comment, and wishing you a beautiful celebration.
What a wonderful sharing of yours and of so many others as well. A bountiful essay! My cup runneth over, as they say. I've been thinking and thinking about this all day. Maybe our human journey is simply this, or partially this: to explore the possible, in the face of a world that speaks too much of its limits; to seek connections and connectedness, as an antidote to the conflicts that would sunder us; to take, when we can, the view from the appreciative mountain top, rather than to constantly mourn what's not working in the valley. I am not an avid believer, but I do like this passage from Philippians 4:8: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
Thank you, Elizabeth, for helping me think about such things. Happy Thanksgiving.
Exploring the possible seems to be what drives the ones who make the headlines, admittedly not always for the best reasons. But I'd like to think that paired with the quest for connection and a common good, it has the potential to make a real difference. Maybe the placebo effect is what we want!
Hope the days ahead are bright for you and yours, Stewart. So appreciate your presence here.
What a superb post.
Whilst we don't have Thanksgiving in Australia, the sentiments you express can fit in any community anywhere in the world. Thank you, Elizabeth.
Thank you, Prue. I realize how Pollyanna the whole concept might seem for those who are fighting for their lives. But I also know how far my spirits can fall when I've declared something to be futile. The only way back up again, for me, is to come up with a new approach.
I'd really like to send a quick message privately. I suspect through Substack?
Such a thoughtful, thought-provoking, thankful post, Elizabeth. A beautiful read.
Thank you so much. 😘
Thanks, Rebecca. I'm glad you were able to be part of it!
Me too! Thank you so much for including my words and link! 😘 I loved reading everyone else's take on your prompts.
That was the best part for me, for sure!
A beautiful post, Elizabeth. I seem to have missed it during its original timeframe, but these thoughts and seeds of hope are not time-bound, and I found them comforting this morning. I love this idea, too: “Does this not, then, support the prospect of collective consciousness, the power of prayer, or the possibility of promoting healing beyond our physical and geographical boundaries?” -- It was really nice to read the compilation of gratitudes from your readers.... such thoughtful and heartfelt comments that you invited and inspired people to share! Your holiday photo is gorgeous.... and so warm.
Thanks, Amy. There was a bit of intention in trying to capture thoughts that weren't relegated to Thanksgiving, since that holiday is strictly American. Like you, I was honored and moved to read what others felt inspired to share. We all have such unique experiences and perspectives, and generally those threads of hope and gratitude.
Apropos a former post of yours, I'm making baked feta & tomato pasta as I type! Smells yummy!! :)