Putting poetry in the hands and minds of children is more than an act of a kind teacher. It is a blessing, and you are on a mission focused on nothing less than their survival and their heritage. Thank you. From my heart.
The power of rivers is awesome in the original sense. Thanks for the reminder to seek nature and eschew individualism. I forget that I'm part of it. I'm going to drive into the Pines again tomorrow to finish up my exploration of the old stagecoach road but there's also a nature boardwalk across a swamp in going to check out, and maybe a dwarf Pine forest too.
Thanks. I concentrated on the stagecoach road. I had a really fun ride alongside an abandoned rail line in the Pines, that was enough. I could have driven back and forth three times, the rail bed is below you or above you, and there are humps in the sand like a roller-coaster... Then I parked to listen to birds.
"... I urged them not to forget them, that though we change as we get older, much of who we are remains the same. Especially the things that bring us joy. Why is it so hard to stay connected to joy? ..."
Part of me is afraid to be connected to joy. That part of me was attacked whenever I appeared to be experiencing joy as a child. Those attackers are no longer alive. That child is still alive inside me. For that child's sake, I can let go of my fear of joy.
Speaking of joy, a few days ago I was sitting and talking to a friend on my cellphone while looking out the window at the cattail pond I can see from the window of the tiny aging condominium where I live on my small Social Security check. The sky was a brilliant grey. The pond is becoming greener and greener with cattails as it does every spring. I became aware of a small flock of birds on the alder saplings that are growing up in the islands that have formed since a culvert was built years ago to keep the pond level low. Beavers had built dams there for who knows how long but the pond was beginning to flood the low-lying property of the houses adjacent to the pond and the city took that action. Fortunately, the beavers have remained here at Scudder Pond despite the culvert.
As I listened to my friend, I watched the birds and gradually realized that they weren't the usual birds I see out my windows. I got up and found my binoculars and was rewarded with a intimate view of Cedar waxwings. It's been years since I have seen even one of them. The first time I saw one from my windows I was sure that it was an exotic bird who had escaped from its cage. It was a joy to learn that it was a wild bird. A Cedar waxwing. And now a flock of them. A connection to joy.
What a beautiful story. I think birds are truly messengers from the Great Mystery urging us to pay attention and be open to wonder. I am sitting here right now taking so much pleasure at the action outside my window, watching them swoop in, listening to their chirps and squabbles. These moments can make all the difference in how my day plays out.
Thank you for the sorely needed reminder, Chris. When everything is awful, it's easy to talk myself into thinking I don't deserve the joy, don't deserve to be in the beauty of the natural world when so many are suffering. I know it's completely the wrong way to think about it, "deserve," and your way of being in the world helps me scramble out of that stupid paper bag.
I've put myself in the same place so many times, Nia. While I still strongly believe we need to collectively (ritually?) take time to mourn and grieve these horrible things when they happen, I also think we need to be MORE mindful of what re-energizes us. I don't like who I become when I don't.
Yes to nature. I’ve had an especially difficult and heart rending week so I’m so looking forward to my next hike. Love hearing your thoughts as usual and I will continue to subscribe. Right now I’m admiring the blooming daffodils in our back yard while I keep an eye out for our little neighborhood herd of deer which includes a gal who lost her foot over the winter but she’s surviving somehow.
Hi Chris, thank you for sharing your beautiful photographic captures. ‘Capture’ in a good way for sure.
Your Lazuli Bunting reminds me of the time I witnessed the presence of a Baltimore Oriole perched atop an apple tree profuse with snowy blossoms. I will never forget that image.
As for exhilaration, that is certainly the most descriptive word as regards viewing an abundance of water rushing towards its destination. Years ago our area experienced some horrific flooding, and tragically, several lives were lost. One soul was swept from his riverside home, two were caught in a deluge that overtook a field. Weeks later I was dining at a restaurant located adjacent to a river that was still swollen and which was moving with ferocity. It was frightening, awe inspiring, and exhilarating. Raw power to respect and at which to marvel.
And your students. What treasures they have presented to you! Fades all of the bad stuff that is happening around us.
And, I have to tell you this. Because of social media, I was able to connect with my eighth grade English teacher three years ago before he passed. Talk about joy! He remembered me and my sister, Louanne. Let this be a testimonial to the importance and the far reaching impacts of the work that you are doing today.
I had the joy of watching a beautiful Bullock's Oriole flit between blossoms on the crabapple tree outside my window recently. He feasted on nectar as I savored my morning coffee. What a delightful experience! Since we share a name, I felt a special connection.
Hope you don't mind but I snatched a copy of your Lazuli Bunting. Nothing like the sight of a vibrant (and I mean VIBRANT) bird to help keep the head on straight.
That lazuli bunting picture of yours is stunning! Sometimes when birds pose like that, their feathers set off just so by the surrounding buds, I gotta wonder if they’re actually the ones who are fully in control of the show. I mean, just look at him. I feel like he definitely wants you to get his left side and not his right.
I agree with you completely about joy, and how the things that give us joy don’t tend to change as we grow older. What beautiful advice to give to young people -- I’m sure you’ve made a tremendous positive impact on their lives.
Thank you, Hannah. And I think you are right about the birds! Kingfisher (ogiishkimanisii) especially. He poses so magnificently but as soon as I start to raise the camera away he goes, laughing, "Fuck you, ha ha ha!"
I am certain I would love your program! I am also certain my lack of heat tolerance and dislike of group programs wouldn't work terribly well in August. :) Someday though I will make it to Yellowstone.
Believe me, I feel you on the heat and the group program aspect of it. That is the hardest part about these workshops. I'm pretty grateful for the PRIVATE cabin I can retreat to at the end of every day, and at various points DURING the day. I couldn't handle it otherwise.
Oh, I love that poem!! Also--Lazuli bunting! omg! I'm such a bird nerd. Wish I could see one of those. I saw Osprey, Raven and Crow yesterday, and felt connected. They are like visiting angels. I feel comforted knowing they are still there, despite concrete, exhaust fumes, willful ignorance and stupid humanity. <3
It's off topic, but have you seen the new signage up at the top of the drive at The Bison Range? Worth the trip, in my opinion. (Of course, the bears, bison, and ALBR are each worth the trip as well.)
I have. I was going to write about that too but figured I'd save it for later. All the new signs, the upgrade to the visitors center ... they've done a remarkable job there.
I was thinking that a localized version of the 'names on the land' sign would fit in perfectly at Council Grove. And if FWP won't let the CSKT put one there, maybe they could put one on that little parcel CSKT owns on the island across Warm Slough from the main body of Council Grove. It wouldn't be convenient for visitors to see, but with a path there, intrepid folks could find it.
I did a walkaround CG last summer with the FWP guy who manages the place. They are wanting to (among other things) redo the interpretive sign, so I wouldn't be surprised if you see what you are asking for. I think it's a great idea.
I haven't been there (to the park, that is), though I am reading in Whitefish on June 23rd for the release of the next issue of Whitefish Review. Maybe I can check it out then....
Putting poetry in the hands and minds of children is more than an act of a kind teacher. It is a blessing, and you are on a mission focused on nothing less than their survival and their heritage. Thank you. From my heart.
Thank you. 🙏🏽
The power of rivers is awesome in the original sense. Thanks for the reminder to seek nature and eschew individualism. I forget that I'm part of it. I'm going to drive into the Pines again tomorrow to finish up my exploration of the old stagecoach road but there's also a nature boardwalk across a swamp in going to check out, and maybe a dwarf Pine forest too.
I love your Pines explorations, Thomas. Keep them coming!
Thanks. I concentrated on the stagecoach road. I had a really fun ride alongside an abandoned rail line in the Pines, that was enough. I could have driven back and forth three times, the rail bed is below you or above you, and there are humps in the sand like a roller-coaster... Then I parked to listen to birds.
That sounds really cool,Thomas.
"... I urged them not to forget them, that though we change as we get older, much of who we are remains the same. Especially the things that bring us joy. Why is it so hard to stay connected to joy? ..."
Part of me is afraid to be connected to joy. That part of me was attacked whenever I appeared to be experiencing joy as a child. Those attackers are no longer alive. That child is still alive inside me. For that child's sake, I can let go of my fear of joy.
Speaking of joy, a few days ago I was sitting and talking to a friend on my cellphone while looking out the window at the cattail pond I can see from the window of the tiny aging condominium where I live on my small Social Security check. The sky was a brilliant grey. The pond is becoming greener and greener with cattails as it does every spring. I became aware of a small flock of birds on the alder saplings that are growing up in the islands that have formed since a culvert was built years ago to keep the pond level low. Beavers had built dams there for who knows how long but the pond was beginning to flood the low-lying property of the houses adjacent to the pond and the city took that action. Fortunately, the beavers have remained here at Scudder Pond despite the culvert.
As I listened to my friend, I watched the birds and gradually realized that they weren't the usual birds I see out my windows. I got up and found my binoculars and was rewarded with a intimate view of Cedar waxwings. It's been years since I have seen even one of them. The first time I saw one from my windows I was sure that it was an exotic bird who had escaped from its cage. It was a joy to learn that it was a wild bird. A Cedar waxwing. And now a flock of them. A connection to joy.
What a beautiful story. I think birds are truly messengers from the Great Mystery urging us to pay attention and be open to wonder. I am sitting here right now taking so much pleasure at the action outside my window, watching them swoop in, listening to their chirps and squabbles. These moments can make all the difference in how my day plays out.
Thank you for the sorely needed reminder, Chris. When everything is awful, it's easy to talk myself into thinking I don't deserve the joy, don't deserve to be in the beauty of the natural world when so many are suffering. I know it's completely the wrong way to think about it, "deserve," and your way of being in the world helps me scramble out of that stupid paper bag.
I've put myself in the same place so many times, Nia. While I still strongly believe we need to collectively (ritually?) take time to mourn and grieve these horrible things when they happen, I also think we need to be MORE mindful of what re-energizes us. I don't like who I become when I don't.
I feel like that last sentence is something I need to pin somewhere visible in my house in some form.
A teacher always wonders, when leaving the sharing space, if learning has occurred. Wonder no more!
Thank you.
Yes to nature. I’ve had an especially difficult and heart rending week so I’m so looking forward to my next hike. Love hearing your thoughts as usual and I will continue to subscribe. Right now I’m admiring the blooming daffodils in our back yard while I keep an eye out for our little neighborhood herd of deer which includes a gal who lost her foot over the winter but she’s surviving somehow.
❤️
Hi Chris, thank you for sharing your beautiful photographic captures. ‘Capture’ in a good way for sure.
Your Lazuli Bunting reminds me of the time I witnessed the presence of a Baltimore Oriole perched atop an apple tree profuse with snowy blossoms. I will never forget that image.
As for exhilaration, that is certainly the most descriptive word as regards viewing an abundance of water rushing towards its destination. Years ago our area experienced some horrific flooding, and tragically, several lives were lost. One soul was swept from his riverside home, two were caught in a deluge that overtook a field. Weeks later I was dining at a restaurant located adjacent to a river that was still swollen and which was moving with ferocity. It was frightening, awe inspiring, and exhilarating. Raw power to respect and at which to marvel.
And your students. What treasures they have presented to you! Fades all of the bad stuff that is happening around us.
And, I have to tell you this. Because of social media, I was able to connect with my eighth grade English teacher three years ago before he passed. Talk about joy! He remembered me and my sister, Louanne. Let this be a testimonial to the importance and the far reaching impacts of the work that you are doing today.
Sincerely,
Melissa
I have reconnected with a handful of my former teachers over the last couple years too. It has been uplifting.
I had the joy of watching a beautiful Bullock's Oriole flit between blossoms on the crabapple tree outside my window recently. He feasted on nectar as I savored my morning coffee. What a delightful experience! Since we share a name, I felt a special connection.
A neighbor upriver saw a Bullock's Oriole last summer but I've yet to ever see one. I need to!
It was a delightful surprise. Your lazuli bunting is gorgeous! Thanks for sharing the joy of watching these little messengers.
Great post Chris.
Hope you don't mind but I snatched a copy of your Lazuli Bunting. Nothing like the sight of a vibrant (and I mean VIBRANT) bird to help keep the head on straight.
Snatch away!
That lazuli bunting picture of yours is stunning! Sometimes when birds pose like that, their feathers set off just so by the surrounding buds, I gotta wonder if they’re actually the ones who are fully in control of the show. I mean, just look at him. I feel like he definitely wants you to get his left side and not his right.
I agree with you completely about joy, and how the things that give us joy don’t tend to change as we grow older. What beautiful advice to give to young people -- I’m sure you’ve made a tremendous positive impact on their lives.
Thank you, Hannah. And I think you are right about the birds! Kingfisher (ogiishkimanisii) especially. He poses so magnificently but as soon as I start to raise the camera away he goes, laughing, "Fuck you, ha ha ha!"
And poetry as spiritual practice!!!
Come to Yellowstone, Karen!
I am certain I would love your program! I am also certain my lack of heat tolerance and dislike of group programs wouldn't work terribly well in August. :) Someday though I will make it to Yellowstone.
Believe me, I feel you on the heat and the group program aspect of it. That is the hardest part about these workshops. I'm pretty grateful for the PRIVATE cabin I can retreat to at the end of every day, and at various points DURING the day. I couldn't handle it otherwise.
Oh, I love that poem!! Also--Lazuli bunting! omg! I'm such a bird nerd. Wish I could see one of those. I saw Osprey, Raven and Crow yesterday, and felt connected. They are like visiting angels. I feel comforted knowing they are still there, despite concrete, exhaust fumes, willful ignorance and stupid humanity. <3
Visiting angels. I agree 100%.
What a perfect tribute for your gift of poetry to young people in a hard world
🙏🏽
Penelope's poem filled me with happiness. Thank you for filling their souls.
Imagine how I felt! I was like the grinch when he hears Whoville singing or whatever.
Your land is so beautiful Chris. I wish to see the Yellowstone National Park in person someday. Sending warm waves of healing to you 🌼💜
I hope you get to make the trip!
I love all of this!💚 Thank you.
💚
It's off topic, but have you seen the new signage up at the top of the drive at The Bison Range? Worth the trip, in my opinion. (Of course, the bears, bison, and ALBR are each worth the trip as well.)
I have. I was going to write about that too but figured I'd save it for later. All the new signs, the upgrade to the visitors center ... they've done a remarkable job there.
I was thinking that a localized version of the 'names on the land' sign would fit in perfectly at Council Grove. And if FWP won't let the CSKT put one there, maybe they could put one on that little parcel CSKT owns on the island across Warm Slough from the main body of Council Grove. It wouldn't be convenient for visitors to see, but with a path there, intrepid folks could find it.
I did a walkaround CG last summer with the FWP guy who manages the place. They are wanting to (among other things) redo the interpretive sign, so I wouldn't be surprised if you see what you are asking for. I think it's a great idea.
Excellent! And then the next one at that park in downtown Whitefish . . .
I haven't been there (to the park, that is), though I am reading in Whitefish on June 23rd for the release of the next issue of Whitefish Review. Maybe I can check it out then....