Oct 14, 2023·edited Oct 14, 2023Liked by Chris La Tray
Even way towards the back of that huge crowd we could feel the power and energy and meaningfulness of it all. I am so happy to think of the two of you finding each other in the world. And I firmly believe innumerable hearts left the room rewired that night.
Thank you for sharing. I had gotten dangerously close to the point of thinking humans are nothing but a scourge on the Earth. Robin’s work helped me understand that we have a role to play in this ecosystem, and my cynicism was an abdication of responsibility. In other words, heart re-wired.
I found my heart swelling with a quiet, sweet joy reading this. I count myself among those who love and am deeply inspired by both Robin’s life-work-heart and yours. Hearing of your instant and deep connection, seeing the pictures of you together, creates a palpable “hum” in the web of life. 🙏🏽♥️
Tears welling up reading this. I have a feeling of being witness to saplings putting on their first few growth rings in an overwhelming field of giant stumps.
This is beautiful, Chris. I wish that I and my Anishinaabe relatives in Canada could have been there. Robin Wall Kimmerer's writing is so powerful. When I teach it, it often moves me to tears. I love that she was in Missoula. What a lucky town.
I so loved to read this this morning—it restored a feeling of hope and community after reading so much despair. So happy you had this incredible experience and to spend time with Robin—just beautiful. And that company watching as you buried the owl…. just wow. Can’t get over the majesty and presence of that. 💜
I had the very good gift of her presence at a Breadloaf environmental writing workshop seven or eight years ago, I'm not sure. Since then, I always have a RWK piece in my Reader at San Quentin from Braiding Sweetgrass or Gathering Moss, my favorite. I always have a Chris LaTray poem or few too.
Listening to your fine introduction and to Robin was a gift. I want to go to sleep every night hearing her calm, wise voice teaching, reminding, rewiring me. So happy you have found each other, Chris.
Those photos - I see two souls at peace, I am touched by the gentle humanity they convey. All is not lost. Thank you for sharing your experiences both on stage and in nature.
Thank you for this. The video of the owl kin in the tree during your prayers affirmed for me kinship with our other relatives. And... RWK. Thank you for sharing for those who could not be in the same space this week. Best way to finish the week.
Thanks for sharing the link to the zoom presentation. I've read Robin's book twice, still trying to figure out how I can give back to the Earth. She's an inspiration, for sure. As are you!
Even way towards the back of that huge crowd we could feel the power and energy and meaningfulness of it all. I am so happy to think of the two of you finding each other in the world. And I firmly believe innumerable hearts left the room rewired that night.
❤️
This is an exquisite way to start a Saturday. I’m so happy you got to experience this, to hold it, and now to have these words here to return to.
Miigwech, Annie. ❤️
Thank you for sharing. I had gotten dangerously close to the point of thinking humans are nothing but a scourge on the Earth. Robin’s work helped me understand that we have a role to play in this ecosystem, and my cynicism was an abdication of responsibility. In other words, heart re-wired.
I love this.
I found my heart swelling with a quiet, sweet joy reading this. I count myself among those who love and am deeply inspired by both Robin’s life-work-heart and yours. Hearing of your instant and deep connection, seeing the pictures of you together, creates a palpable “hum” in the web of life. 🙏🏽♥️
🙏🏽
Tears welling up reading this. I have a feeling of being witness to saplings putting on their first few growth rings in an overwhelming field of giant stumps.
✊🏽
What a beautiful way to put it!
Agreed.
Marvelous!
This is beautiful, Chris. I wish that I and my Anishinaabe relatives in Canada could have been there. Robin Wall Kimmerer's writing is so powerful. When I teach it, it often moves me to tears. I love that she was in Missoula. What a lucky town.
We were so lucky, yes.
I so loved to read this this morning—it restored a feeling of hope and community after reading so much despair. So happy you had this incredible experience and to spend time with Robin—just beautiful. And that company watching as you buried the owl…. just wow. Can’t get over the majesty and presence of that. 💜
I almost couldn't believe it when they showed up.
so beautifully perfect and telling. 🦉 💜
It warms the cockles of my heart to see you and Robin Wall Kimmerer together and looking so absolutely beatific.
I love this, teetering on the brink as we are of cold cockles season.
True! Most winters I warm my cockles with a little butter & garlic but now I can just look at this picture.
I had the very good gift of her presence at a Breadloaf environmental writing workshop seven or eight years ago, I'm not sure. Since then, I always have a RWK piece in my Reader at San Quentin from Braiding Sweetgrass or Gathering Moss, my favorite. I always have a Chris LaTray poem or few too.
Susan, miigwech, as always. You have been such a good friend.
How vital it is to be seen and welcomed as a peer. Thank you for sharing this tenderness.
Thank you, Karen.
Listening to your fine introduction and to Robin was a gift. I want to go to sleep every night hearing her calm, wise voice teaching, reminding, rewiring me. So happy you have found each other, Chris.
Yes, I think I will be giving Braiding Sweetgrass another listen soon, just to hear her voice.
Im so happy you had that experience with Robin, Chris. It sounded like a wonderful evening and what a crowd! 1300?!
A Substack friend just recommended her book and I’m so looking forward to reading it.
I'm excited for you reading it for the first time!
Those photos - I see two souls at peace, I am touched by the gentle humanity they convey. All is not lost. Thank you for sharing your experiences both on stage and in nature.
Miigwech, Patrick.
Thank you for this. The video of the owl kin in the tree during your prayers affirmed for me kinship with our other relatives. And... RWK. Thank you for sharing for those who could not be in the same space this week. Best way to finish the week.
Every bit of this is beautiful and made me cry happy tears, Chris.
💚
Thanks for sharing the link to the zoom presentation. I've read Robin's book twice, still trying to figure out how I can give back to the Earth. She's an inspiration, for sure. As are you!
She would tell you to just plant things, whenever, wherever.