I always feel a bit hollow too this time of year- and the last couple of weeks have been especially difficult. Paul and I went for a walk yesterday in the Rattlesnake because we wanted to mark the solstice and frankly just needed to get outdoors. We took our usual path and saw several American Dippers, birds that always feel special when I see them, busy as they are with the pursuit of underwater invertebrates. As we were standing next to the creek watching one make its way upstream, it began to sing and its mate joined in. The most melodious song echoed off the rock face of the cliff and we were surrounded by music. I’d never heard their songs before- only the short calls they make as they fly low over the rushing water. It felt like an incredible, magical gift. I’m not religious and don’t believe in “God” so for me it is moments like that which fill me up. Wishing you many moments of peace and wonder this coming year Chris, and may 2022 land gently for us all.
That drawing is a treasure (even with the eyebrow adjustment). Thank you for sharing your writing with us...I look forward to reading your thoughts each week. Have a restful, restorative winter break.
“ I want to be part of something, I think sometimes, but I really don’t trust anybody, and I hate much of the feeling of coercion that often accompanies any attempts.” Oof. I feel seen for sure.
A few months ago, we moved 800 miles north, so this solstice has been a celebration of getting our new home ready for winter (we hope). The day was cold and wet, and I stayed inside sewing for much of it. But on one of my trips outside to visit my backyard horse, I realized that she knew. She always knows the solstices, and she always sheds just a little of her coat at the winter solstice. She was born thousands of miles away from here, but her body always knows when the sun is ready to return. Somehow, despite the move, her body knew the solstice was here and she was shedding, just a bit.
May your winter be filled with coziness and good food.
This incenses me -- defacing the Native name is an act of hate. <growls loudly> I am a 2x alumna of the Community of Writers in the Olympic Valley of Lake Tahoe area -- it has been known as the S---- Valley Community of Writers for 50 years, but they finally changed it last year. And now the resort and valley itself has been renamed as Palisades Valley. It's a huge relief not to have to tiptoe around the name of a prestigious writing conference because of its longstanding, hateful name. I am a Deb Haaland fan. I hope she works her position to make changes we have long needed. By the way, Tahoe is really Da-oh, a Washoe word for lake. Blessed Solstice (I baked a sun-shaped bread loaf like a proper Druid nerd) and good Yule to you. I'm enjoying making old-fashioned British holiday breads and pies this year. They are the only roots I can claim, bec. no longer a Christian.
Mady drew you. Such a gift. Learned about the Guardian from a German blog friend who learned to speak English in Ireland. Will let her know about your blog. Good to know your voice will be heard by readers of the Guardian all over the world. I've been sharing your poetry books with friends here. Anticipating Becoming Little Shell.
I always feel a bit hollow too this time of year- and the last couple of weeks have been especially difficult. Paul and I went for a walk yesterday in the Rattlesnake because we wanted to mark the solstice and frankly just needed to get outdoors. We took our usual path and saw several American Dippers, birds that always feel special when I see them, busy as they are with the pursuit of underwater invertebrates. As we were standing next to the creek watching one make its way upstream, it began to sing and its mate joined in. The most melodious song echoed off the rock face of the cliff and we were surrounded by music. I’d never heard their songs before- only the short calls they make as they fly low over the rushing water. It felt like an incredible, magical gift. I’m not religious and don’t believe in “God” so for me it is moments like that which fill me up. Wishing you many moments of peace and wonder this coming year Chris, and may 2022 land gently for us all.
For anyone interested in the song of the American Dipper, the second “song” recording is the most similar to the duet we heard. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Dipper/sounds#
That drawing is a treasure (even with the eyebrow adjustment). Thank you for sharing your writing with us...I look forward to reading your thoughts each week. Have a restful, restorative winter break.
“ I want to be part of something, I think sometimes, but I really don’t trust anybody, and I hate much of the feeling of coercion that often accompanies any attempts.” Oof. I feel seen for sure.
A few months ago, we moved 800 miles north, so this solstice has been a celebration of getting our new home ready for winter (we hope). The day was cold and wet, and I stayed inside sewing for much of it. But on one of my trips outside to visit my backyard horse, I realized that she knew. She always knows the solstices, and she always sheds just a little of her coat at the winter solstice. She was born thousands of miles away from here, but her body always knows when the sun is ready to return. Somehow, despite the move, her body knew the solstice was here and she was shedding, just a bit.
May your winter be filled with coziness and good food.
This incenses me -- defacing the Native name is an act of hate. <growls loudly> I am a 2x alumna of the Community of Writers in the Olympic Valley of Lake Tahoe area -- it has been known as the S---- Valley Community of Writers for 50 years, but they finally changed it last year. And now the resort and valley itself has been renamed as Palisades Valley. It's a huge relief not to have to tiptoe around the name of a prestigious writing conference because of its longstanding, hateful name. I am a Deb Haaland fan. I hope she works her position to make changes we have long needed. By the way, Tahoe is really Da-oh, a Washoe word for lake. Blessed Solstice (I baked a sun-shaped bread loaf like a proper Druid nerd) and good Yule to you. I'm enjoying making old-fashioned British holiday breads and pies this year. They are the only roots I can claim, bec. no longer a Christian.
What a lovely essay in The Guardian, thank you for writing it
Mady drew you. Such a gift. Learned about the Guardian from a German blog friend who learned to speak English in Ireland. Will let her know about your blog. Good to know your voice will be heard by readers of the Guardian all over the world. I've been sharing your poetry books with friends here. Anticipating Becoming Little Shell.
always good to "hear" your words, even though I don't always respond. Thanks for the intro to Ms. Spagna! here's a little solstice poem:
**a decidedly non-spiritual winter solstice poem**
thank god
that's over.
bring on
more sun.
really.
i'm not
kidding.
night proves
god
has a
mean streak.
Oh, those Shaw quotes! Excellent. Congratulations on the Guardian essay, very well done!
Hi Chris,
Thank you and your colleagues for bringing such important issues to our attention and congratulations on your article in The Guardian.
Wishing you a happy Christmas.
Sincerely,
Melissa
A pleasure, as always. (Congratulations on The Guardian piece! I'll read it next.)