“I am here to bear witness to the things that cause sadness and harm, I am here to act when called upon to help my community, and I am here to support and spread of the message of joy and unity though art.”
Super piece.My heart too kept breaking into thousands of pieces. But every time others were impacted harder than I was. I tried to think of them. Could I help in any way. Could I do better than “wishes and prayers”. Sometimes even in unexpected places like Substack— a lovely community—one finds folks who are giving out places to send donations or people to call or something one can actually do. I am a doer by nature. Set me loose and I will work and work. Being on the sidelines is tough
Now all of us are going to be directly impacted by the orange teletubbies games. He has no real reason for the tariffs, he just wants to be seen as the tough guy he is—or monster in my humble opinion. I hope there will be a reaction like the protests in LA. Even if I can’t be part of that group, I feel buoyed knowing others are doing what I would like to do.
Perhaps the best thing is to reach out to others and brainstorm about things that might help in the coming days. A lot of really great things are being suggested. Using local farmers, having lending libraries for basic tools, all sorts of things. It has given me optimism when I thought mine was all gone.
Thank you for your comment and thoughts Alexandra. I agree…we need to seek out the things we CAN do. And that looks different for everyone. Substack does have a great community of people that have been able to open up new connections and resources. For that I am really grateful.
Way over here in Oz it is also a feeling of despair, and eventually it may affect us with all this grandstanding. We think our politicians are bad enough, particularly in the state of Victoria where I live, where we are broke, but I don’t think we are completely surrounded by egotistical boof heads. Those air crashes were so devastating and for the politicians trying to take political advantage of it was disgraceful
It’s funny, I feel completely the opposite to this quote. At this present time I cling to “This too shall pass” with every ounce of my being. I’ve been imprisoned in a doom loop for over five years, caring solo for my mother, who has dementia. Life is on repeat continuously, and my life is on hold indefinitely, with not a glimmer of light at the end of what feels like an eternally long tunnel. I don’t even have a proper bed to sleep on, or the privacy of my own room. So the message in this short quote, when it feels hopelessly like this will be my life forever, is the much needed reassurance and reminder that this will eventually end, that nothing is forever, even if I haven’t a clue what life after will look like. Beautiful artwork, btw!
Thank you, Marlee. I think it has almost become my mantra in recent months, when I’ve been feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. One of my biggest fears is that I’ll still be here in another five years. It’s essential that I hold on to the thought that this isn’t forever, for my own sanity.
I also like the expression: "This, too, shall pass." Each moment is different. I don't like to focus on the negative. I spent 5 plus years as a caregiver to my parents. I understand, Wendy.
Thank you for your kind words Wendy. And for your perspective on the phrase. It sounds like you are in a dark moment, I’m so sorry you are in that position. During Covid I read Pema Chodrin’s “When Things Fall Apart” and it helped me tremendously. I felt really stuck, not only because we had shelter in place orders but also mentally grappling with the uncertainty of the future. I can’t imagine how difficult it is to manage a loved one with dementia without a support system.
Sounds exactly like me yesterday. My anxiety was through the roof even though I try to keep nose out of the news as much as I can. So I put my phone down, since even here on Substack I was reading more than I wanted. I worked on some art, I cleaned my office some so I had more room to work on art. I made cookies. When all else fails, eat right! I had just been to the library so I read something that wasn't doom and gloom. Walleye - A beautiful fish of the dark. Yes, the entire book is about the fish. Written by a Minnesota DNR biologist. I know I'm not the only person scared to death with what's going on. At least I have a family that is healthy, food on the table, steady income, a small community I've found on here, and a lot to be grateful for. Hang in there, together we'll all get through this. Thanks for sharing.
I ended up watching the movie Fall Guy. It sounds like you are making some progress getting your art space organized. Is your mother in law all moved in?
Oh K.L. this is beautiful and heartfelt and it got me right in my feels. Thank you for the happy tears, my friend. I'm glad to have the company and solidarity of beautiful people such as yourself and Adam, alongside so many others I've met here on Substack. Thanks for being here with us. ❤️🫂
Well, KL, I feel almost exactly as you do, except for the fact that I'm now retired from outside work and the inside work of caring for a big family. I am also one of those creative types and also one of those who reads non-fiction, and non-fiction seems to me to be "questionable non-fiction" and same with fiction now; is it really fiction is my question.
Distant, daily heartbreaks happen. Maybe their effect on us should make us quieter during media explosions, and where do we go for that?
I do believe there is only The Truth, and we can be fooled by people who think only they own it. On my earthly journey, I look for it and I think most of it lies in how I deal with loved ones, and how much or little I respect the invisible people (the world's helpers).
All of us were once helpless and dependent. Somehow, we're still here. Not much of life is in our control.
I don't know what exactly I'm trying to say except that I hope you continue to stand for the helpless, the dependent, for yourself, and your loved ones. The difference you have made may never be known by you, but by others, yes.
As for the arts... you already know how they quiet the mind. :)
P.S. My most despised platitude is, "It is what it is" But, I agree that "This too shall pass" is in the same category of Stuff You Should Not Say to People Who are Suffering.
“It is what it is” is a great runner up for terrible phrases! And thank you Jenni, for such a thoughtful response to my post. I appreciate your words very much. 🥰
Thank you for sharing this. Wishing you (and your technical support person ) the very best from across the pond. Enjoying reminders of a corner of the world which left a big impression on me when I visited years ago. And wishing you continuing joy in painting and in local connections.
Thank you for bravely addressing this! I haven't done so mainly because I go too far into rabbit holes. But am still contributing to causes and looking at what my local politicians (*some are really inspiring) are doing. In my work we also see effects on govt funding. By the way, thank you to the person in Australia who commented below. Agreed that it will be good when we can savor the moment again. And hurray for art and other human connections : ).
“I am here to bear witness to the things that cause sadness and harm, I am here to act when called upon to help my community, and I am here to support and spread of the message of joy and unity though art.”
Yes to this.
This is exactly the paragraph that I just restacked because it hit my heart so deeply and i feel this so deeply too. Thank you for sharing 💗♥️🙏
Big hug. Thanks for reading.
Thanks again for sharing!
Creativity keeps us connected to our souls and to each other ❤️
It is important to be grounded, and from there we can branch out.
Super piece.My heart too kept breaking into thousands of pieces. But every time others were impacted harder than I was. I tried to think of them. Could I help in any way. Could I do better than “wishes and prayers”. Sometimes even in unexpected places like Substack— a lovely community—one finds folks who are giving out places to send donations or people to call or something one can actually do. I am a doer by nature. Set me loose and I will work and work. Being on the sidelines is tough
Now all of us are going to be directly impacted by the orange teletubbies games. He has no real reason for the tariffs, he just wants to be seen as the tough guy he is—or monster in my humble opinion. I hope there will be a reaction like the protests in LA. Even if I can’t be part of that group, I feel buoyed knowing others are doing what I would like to do.
Perhaps the best thing is to reach out to others and brainstorm about things that might help in the coming days. A lot of really great things are being suggested. Using local farmers, having lending libraries for basic tools, all sorts of things. It has given me optimism when I thought mine was all gone.
Best to all my comrades in arms.
Thank you for your comment and thoughts Alexandra. I agree…we need to seek out the things we CAN do. And that looks different for everyone. Substack does have a great community of people that have been able to open up new connections and resources. For that I am really grateful.
Way over here in Oz it is also a feeling of despair, and eventually it may affect us with all this grandstanding. We think our politicians are bad enough, particularly in the state of Victoria where I live, where we are broke, but I don’t think we are completely surrounded by egotistical boof heads. Those air crashes were so devastating and for the politicians trying to take political advantage of it was disgraceful
My new favorite adjective “boof” head. 😂
It’s funny, I feel completely the opposite to this quote. At this present time I cling to “This too shall pass” with every ounce of my being. I’ve been imprisoned in a doom loop for over five years, caring solo for my mother, who has dementia. Life is on repeat continuously, and my life is on hold indefinitely, with not a glimmer of light at the end of what feels like an eternally long tunnel. I don’t even have a proper bed to sleep on, or the privacy of my own room. So the message in this short quote, when it feels hopelessly like this will be my life forever, is the much needed reassurance and reminder that this will eventually end, that nothing is forever, even if I haven’t a clue what life after will look like. Beautiful artwork, btw!
Thank you, Marlee. I think it has almost become my mantra in recent months, when I’ve been feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. One of my biggest fears is that I’ll still be here in another five years. It’s essential that I hold on to the thought that this isn’t forever, for my own sanity.
I also like the expression: "This, too, shall pass." Each moment is different. I don't like to focus on the negative. I spent 5 plus years as a caregiver to my parents. I understand, Wendy.
Thank you for your kind words Wendy. And for your perspective on the phrase. It sounds like you are in a dark moment, I’m so sorry you are in that position. During Covid I read Pema Chodrin’s “When Things Fall Apart” and it helped me tremendously. I felt really stuck, not only because we had shelter in place orders but also mentally grappling with the uncertainty of the future. I can’t imagine how difficult it is to manage a loved one with dementia without a support system.
Yes, slowly working on my art. Purchased a domain and working on a website as well. Taking baby steps with it. Yes, Mom's all settled and doing okay.
Looking forward to seeing your website!!
Sounds exactly like me yesterday. My anxiety was through the roof even though I try to keep nose out of the news as much as I can. So I put my phone down, since even here on Substack I was reading more than I wanted. I worked on some art, I cleaned my office some so I had more room to work on art. I made cookies. When all else fails, eat right! I had just been to the library so I read something that wasn't doom and gloom. Walleye - A beautiful fish of the dark. Yes, the entire book is about the fish. Written by a Minnesota DNR biologist. I know I'm not the only person scared to death with what's going on. At least I have a family that is healthy, food on the table, steady income, a small community I've found on here, and a lot to be grateful for. Hang in there, together we'll all get through this. Thanks for sharing.
I ended up watching the movie Fall Guy. It sounds like you are making some progress getting your art space organized. Is your mother in law all moved in?
Oh K.L. this is beautiful and heartfelt and it got me right in my feels. Thank you for the happy tears, my friend. I'm glad to have the company and solidarity of beautiful people such as yourself and Adam, alongside so many others I've met here on Substack. Thanks for being here with us. ❤️🫂
Thank you Blue! Big hug
This was just what I needed to ‘savor’
Hit the post button by accident! This is just what I needed to savor this moment! That what I was trying to say. 🙂 Thank you!
I absolutely love your artwork, K.L. It lifts my spirits and inspires me. Thank you.
Thank you Marlee! I really appreciate your kind words!!
Well, KL, I feel almost exactly as you do, except for the fact that I'm now retired from outside work and the inside work of caring for a big family. I am also one of those creative types and also one of those who reads non-fiction, and non-fiction seems to me to be "questionable non-fiction" and same with fiction now; is it really fiction is my question.
Distant, daily heartbreaks happen. Maybe their effect on us should make us quieter during media explosions, and where do we go for that?
I do believe there is only The Truth, and we can be fooled by people who think only they own it. On my earthly journey, I look for it and I think most of it lies in how I deal with loved ones, and how much or little I respect the invisible people (the world's helpers).
All of us were once helpless and dependent. Somehow, we're still here. Not much of life is in our control.
I don't know what exactly I'm trying to say except that I hope you continue to stand for the helpless, the dependent, for yourself, and your loved ones. The difference you have made may never be known by you, but by others, yes.
As for the arts... you already know how they quiet the mind. :)
P.S. My most despised platitude is, "It is what it is" But, I agree that "This too shall pass" is in the same category of Stuff You Should Not Say to People Who are Suffering.
“It is what it is” is a great runner up for terrible phrases! And thank you Jenni, for such a thoughtful response to my post. I appreciate your words very much. 🥰
Thank you for sharing this. Wishing you (and your technical support person ) the very best from across the pond. Enjoying reminders of a corner of the world which left a big impression on me when I visited years ago. And wishing you continuing joy in painting and in local connections.
Thank you Pip! 🤗
Thank you for bravely addressing this! I haven't done so mainly because I go too far into rabbit holes. But am still contributing to causes and looking at what my local politicians (*some are really inspiring) are doing. In my work we also see effects on govt funding. By the way, thank you to the person in Australia who commented below. Agreed that it will be good when we can savor the moment again. And hurray for art and other human connections : ).
Thank you Catherine. I so agree with “hurray for art and other human connections!” We are not all the same but I KNOW we can find commonality.