19 Comments
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Jan's avatar

What a wealth is held in your archives, Tara! I had been printing some of your essays to keep in a reference binder in my kitchen (all the more as we aim to move away from being a device-saturated home), and this reminds me to return to that project. Your sharing of wisdom gleaned through life experience and much consideration makes you a most treasured mentor to me.

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Tara's avatar

What a lovely compliment. Thank you, Jan ❤️

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Jess's avatar

Oh, printing these is such a wonderful idea! Gotta build that home library, afterall. ☺️ I wish Substack had a better way to organize posts. So appreciate you doing this for us, Tara.

I'm 16 weeks pregnant and read that baby is just now able to start hearing my voice and the outside world. I've been trying to collect things - podcasts and what not - to listen to while I'm in the kitchen or knitting or whatever that are uplifting, educational, and inspirational. For my spirit and for baby's. None of that true crime or anything doomsday-esque. Anyway - your content is always at the top of my list, Tara. There's so much wisdom and love in what you share. My hope is that I can lean on creators like you to help teach and shape my children. Just by listening, relistening, and reading your content myself. I think they'll glean a lot by passive diffusion even (and maybe especially) in the early years.

Plus it's one way to save both myself and them from me lecturing all day. 😜

This work that you're putting out there makes a difference in the lives of real people, Tara. Thank you. 💚💚💚

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Jess's avatar

P.s. I absolutely adore all the photos of your animals and food. Love to be awestruck by the beauty of something as simple as a bottle of milk.

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Tara's avatar

So nice to hear from you, Jess. Thank you for such generous and kind words. How are you feeling? This is such an exciting time in your life! I loved being pregnant. I know some people don't, but it was such a wonderful time for me. What's your experience been?

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rebecca Lerner's avatar

Can’t wait to re read these!! There are so many gems and reminders. Thank you so much for cataloging your past essays. You are an inspiration!

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Tara's avatar

Thanks so much, Rebecca 🌞

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Cheri Willard's avatar

Thank you or he synopsis... I'm ready to re-read! All of your essays help me organize my thoughts, give me direction, your words are a huge guidance to me! So happy you have been able to have the family back on the farm. What a blessing for you all!

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Tara's avatar

Thank you, Cheri. That's such a kind thing to share with me. :)

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Erin's avatar

thank you for this!

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Catnip Acres's avatar

I am a great fan of 17th century Flemish artist Frans Snyders' "Concert of the Birds" compositions. He did several versions of these, as allegorical bird paintings were very popular during that time. Note that the Owl is raising his right claw, conducting the birds in the choir, showing the musical score underneath. I had to smile at the bat singing ... what a marvellous concert! Thanks for sharing this artwork, Tara!

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Tara's avatar

Yes! I've used his same "Concert of Birds" images before. I love them, too! And now I love it even more because of the raised claw you pointed out! :)

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Jessica Baxter's avatar

IM SO EXCITED TO READ THESE! Thank you for the heavy lifting for us, Tara!♥️🫶🏼

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Tara's avatar

Thank you, Jessica :)

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Drew's avatar

Tara, I very much enjoyed reading/reading again those articles and their links, thank you for the sign post.

Ps hope Troy’s health is improved/fully restored

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Cassandra Brown's avatar

That's crazy, I've read 308 essays in the past few years! Love them all!

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Tara's avatar

I, Tara Couture, dub thee, Bethany Latham, Grand Chief and Ultimate Overseer of the Slowdown Loyal Reader Club. May ye prosper and multiply.

😉😘🥰

and thank you xo

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Cassandra Brown's avatar

Haha! That's going on my resume.

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Jess's avatar

I am loving it, too! Feeling good and excited for what's to come. I imagine I'm going to want to do this pregnancy thing a few more times. 😉💚

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