Today's writing reminded me of growing up in Minnesota (born in '53). In 1958, dad passed suddenly, and mom was left with 3 of us. I was, at 5 years old, the oldest. Mom was 30.
The whispers of the past, the thoughts of what may yet be or what might have been -- haunt me still, in my late 60's.
My dad and maternal grandpa built our house, from the ground up. So I was surrounded by the "marks" they left on that building. Grandpa could build anything, and so well...as I got older, I was more appreciative of our solid home.
I would use my dad's tools, in our basement workshop. Table saw, files, hammers, whatever. Doing little projects of my own design.
Later, I started to use his .22 rifle and 12-guage shotgun.
But now, the vast majority of my whole family has moved into the beyond. I live in Colorado, since '87.
I used to (as a child) look up into the clouds and wonder if my dad was up there, somewhere or other...
Your essay today triggered many memories of my history, my family, my losses, my own story (which is still being written, day by day in this now-so-crazy-and-out-of touch-with-what-matters world).
I thank you with all my heart, for the gifts you just brought to me, and for every heart-felt, genuine, human word you offer us all!
I loved reading about your dad and grandpa, Steve. Thank you for sharing these stories. My grandpa built his house too, and part of ours when we lived in the country. There is something so resonant about using those tools they leave behind. I have my Bapka's old dough board on my counter. I use it as a cutting board. I'm quite sure everything I prepare on it is anointed by her.
Like the ripples in a pond when a rock is thrown so does your writing go out to all of us who are fortunate enough to absorb and release it❤️🩹hugs precious lady
Glorious. Your prose, the picture you called to my mind as I read, all of it. I too often think of those who were here before me and feel it’s a connection we must not lose if we are to remain human. Thank you, Tara.
Thank you, Tara, for letting us into your life lived in a spirit of goodwill and gratitude. In this "now-so-crazy-and-out-of touch-with-what-matters world" (as Steve puts it), that is what the woke people don't get about the likes of us:
"Conservatism is the philosophy of attachment. We are attached to the things we love, and wish to protect them against decay. But we know that they cannot last forever. Meanwhile we must study the ways in which we can retain them through all the changes they must necessarily undergo, so that our lives are still lived in a spirit of goodwill and gratitude." Roger Scruton, from "How to be a conservative" (2014)
I suppose it says something more about our time than about me that I used to think myself more liberally minded. Used to. Guess it all depends on the definition that's being bandied about. No matter the definition, it seems to me that there is a whole lot of painful lessons in store when we let go of our histories and values and start praying to the god of progress. That's a beautiful quote, thank you for sharing it. ❤️
I'm so glad you decided to share it after all. And although it was so clearly a breach to you to have that hole cut, you and your husband get to continue the story and add your own marks and live in the now. And the land, and the loved ones, both distant and near, must understand and approve. The spirit of the place and your spirits all wrapped together. Thank you again for sharing.
Thank you for sharing this, for noticing the layers of lives around you and for reminding us that we are part of centuries of history. It’s easy to lose sight of this in the world that always looks to the future.
I am always grateful for the moments I can pause and reflect with you through your writing. How marvelous to read something that, even though it was penned months ago, it remains ever-present in its timelessness. Shjoh, you can put into words things that I often think I cannot express! Through your writing we, your readers, also gain closure on the parts in your sharing we can relate to directly and indirectly. Thank you for your bravery in sharing your heart with all of us. Always thank you.
I live away from my family, separated by large continents and oceans vast. I have a golden bangle that my mother wore as her minimalist jewelry each day when I was growing up. She gave it to me when I moved away. I am glad she is still alive, and I can cherish her and the bangle while she is living.
Life on the planet, what an experience. We journey through it, and leave behind trace-messages for those that will still be here. May we always be cognizant of messages left before us. They are stepping stones on the path, aren't they? Quiet messages of, "one day this will make sense to you too."
Thank you for your beautiful message, Yvette. Yes, everything and all, timeless and connected in ways I don't think we can even fully comprehend. The more I sit in the unknowing mystery of it all, the more rich and peaceful my understanding becomes. ❤️
Timeless and connected comes from beyond the now and goes beyond the now too. Both from the past and into the future. And I think being aware of that takes the focus off ourselves but in a healthy way... we are involved, but the ego subsides. And when ego is out of the way it is much easier to feel fulfilled and content and then enjoy the privilege of this journey o. The planet. I think ego can cause a lot of stress and anxiety in human beings.
Tara, your words, somehow more than words, brought tears to my eyes, and made me wonder at the transformation of black lines on white background into memories and an aching, strangely hope-filled sorrow.
Thank you for your words, they resonate deep within me. I have thoughts like this that I find very hard to find words to describe. You are very gifted❤️
Your words are magic and poetry every time I read them. As always a reminder of reverence. How sweeter life is when we move in these ways. These sweet, slow, tender, precious ways. Thank you for sharing ❤️
Tara...thank you so very much, as always!
Today's writing reminded me of growing up in Minnesota (born in '53). In 1958, dad passed suddenly, and mom was left with 3 of us. I was, at 5 years old, the oldest. Mom was 30.
The whispers of the past, the thoughts of what may yet be or what might have been -- haunt me still, in my late 60's.
My dad and maternal grandpa built our house, from the ground up. So I was surrounded by the "marks" they left on that building. Grandpa could build anything, and so well...as I got older, I was more appreciative of our solid home.
I would use my dad's tools, in our basement workshop. Table saw, files, hammers, whatever. Doing little projects of my own design.
Later, I started to use his .22 rifle and 12-guage shotgun.
But now, the vast majority of my whole family has moved into the beyond. I live in Colorado, since '87.
I used to (as a child) look up into the clouds and wonder if my dad was up there, somewhere or other...
Your essay today triggered many memories of my history, my family, my losses, my own story (which is still being written, day by day in this now-so-crazy-and-out-of touch-with-what-matters world).
I thank you with all my heart, for the gifts you just brought to me, and for every heart-felt, genuine, human word you offer us all!
I loved reading about your dad and grandpa, Steve. Thank you for sharing these stories. My grandpa built his house too, and part of ours when we lived in the country. There is something so resonant about using those tools they leave behind. I have my Bapka's old dough board on my counter. I use it as a cutting board. I'm quite sure everything I prepare on it is anointed by her.
So glad that you made the decision to share this, Tara. It is so deeply felt and moving. xxxxx
Thank you, Tania.
Like the ripples in a pond when a rock is thrown so does your writing go out to all of us who are fortunate enough to absorb and release it❤️🩹hugs precious lady
That's so kind, thank you, Roxy.
Tears. Recognition. Deeply moved. Thank you for sharing. You are sitting with grief, of course. For the child, for what’s being lost by so many.
Thank you, Louisa ❤️
I’m so glad you decided to share. It’s so beautiful. I’m savoring your words.
Exactly
Glorious. Your prose, the picture you called to my mind as I read, all of it. I too often think of those who were here before me and feel it’s a connection we must not lose if we are to remain human. Thank you, Tara.
Thank you. I agree - too easy to lose the lessons and the legacies of those that came before us. Forward progress without those things seems folly.
Thank you, Tara, for letting us into your life lived in a spirit of goodwill and gratitude. In this "now-so-crazy-and-out-of touch-with-what-matters world" (as Steve puts it), that is what the woke people don't get about the likes of us:
"Conservatism is the philosophy of attachment. We are attached to the things we love, and wish to protect them against decay. But we know that they cannot last forever. Meanwhile we must study the ways in which we can retain them through all the changes they must necessarily undergo, so that our lives are still lived in a spirit of goodwill and gratitude." Roger Scruton, from "How to be a conservative" (2014)
I suppose it says something more about our time than about me that I used to think myself more liberally minded. Used to. Guess it all depends on the definition that's being bandied about. No matter the definition, it seems to me that there is a whole lot of painful lessons in store when we let go of our histories and values and start praying to the god of progress. That's a beautiful quote, thank you for sharing it. ❤️
I'm so glad you decided to share it after all. And although it was so clearly a breach to you to have that hole cut, you and your husband get to continue the story and add your own marks and live in the now. And the land, and the loved ones, both distant and near, must understand and approve. The spirit of the place and your spirits all wrapped together. Thank you again for sharing.
Yes, it's all of it. Thank you, Janene. 💕
Such beautiful words that I had to read them twice through tear filled eyes. Thank you for sharing ❤
That's so nice to hear, thank you, Lindsay ❤️
Amen
Thank you for sharing this, for noticing the layers of lives around you and for reminding us that we are part of centuries of history. It’s easy to lose sight of this in the world that always looks to the future.
I am always grateful for the moments I can pause and reflect with you through your writing. How marvelous to read something that, even though it was penned months ago, it remains ever-present in its timelessness. Shjoh, you can put into words things that I often think I cannot express! Through your writing we, your readers, also gain closure on the parts in your sharing we can relate to directly and indirectly. Thank you for your bravery in sharing your heart with all of us. Always thank you.
I live away from my family, separated by large continents and oceans vast. I have a golden bangle that my mother wore as her minimalist jewelry each day when I was growing up. She gave it to me when I moved away. I am glad she is still alive, and I can cherish her and the bangle while she is living.
Life on the planet, what an experience. We journey through it, and leave behind trace-messages for those that will still be here. May we always be cognizant of messages left before us. They are stepping stones on the path, aren't they? Quiet messages of, "one day this will make sense to you too."
Thank you for your beautiful message, Yvette. Yes, everything and all, timeless and connected in ways I don't think we can even fully comprehend. The more I sit in the unknowing mystery of it all, the more rich and peaceful my understanding becomes. ❤️
Timeless and connected comes from beyond the now and goes beyond the now too. Both from the past and into the future. And I think being aware of that takes the focus off ourselves but in a healthy way... we are involved, but the ego subsides. And when ego is out of the way it is much easier to feel fulfilled and content and then enjoy the privilege of this journey o. The planet. I think ego can cause a lot of stress and anxiety in human beings.
Tara, your words, somehow more than words, brought tears to my eyes, and made me wonder at the transformation of black lines on white background into memories and an aching, strangely hope-filled sorrow.
Thank you so much, Petra❤️❤️
Thank you for your words, they resonate deep within me. I have thoughts like this that I find very hard to find words to describe. You are very gifted❤️
Thank you, Kelly. I like hearing that others share these thoughts, too. It's very connecting for me.💕
Your words are magic and poetry every time I read them. As always a reminder of reverence. How sweeter life is when we move in these ways. These sweet, slow, tender, precious ways. Thank you for sharing ❤️
Thank you for your kind and lovely comment, Milena❤️
Such beautiful sentiments to read so early in the morning on my 52nd birthday, a gift really, thank you Tara for sharing!
Happy Birthday, Anne. I hope you have a lovely day!!
Thank you Janene! It's been filled with so much love :)
Happy Birthday, Anne❤️❤️❤️