It is so cold this morning that when the wind races through the leafless sycamores, the ends of the branches rattle together, stiff, like thin bones. A wave of gray clouds sweeps in from the northwest. Even Winnie, when I take her out, sniffs hesitantly at the brittle grass, does her business quickly, and then darts back for the door.
the dark days when grief feels suffocating, when there are no prayers, only groans, I find 2 things to be powerful.
1 . standing outside, especially when early morning light and sounds of birdsong break thru.
2. fiction, or sometimes biography, but mostly fiction. a good story tends my heart like nothing else. The Day the Angels Fell is one of those I've read again and again. sometimes just for fun, but also when I need the companionship of a good story to distract for a bit.
Is it ok to admit I'm not sure yet? I'm in the beginning of discovering what will work to support my body as she heals from sensitivities recently discovered (maybe acknowledged is a better word). I feel like I'm at the beginning of the long drive through the night, tbh. Carrying that analogy, I suppose it's looking for stars or the moon, settling in with some music to keep me company, and trying to remember that the morning will dawn. I agree that there's nothing like seeing the sky beginning to lighten after a long night awake or a very early morning start to the day!
I'm excited to hear of your new fiction being knit together!
the dark days when grief feels suffocating, when there are no prayers, only groans, I find 2 things to be powerful.
1 . standing outside, especially when early morning light and sounds of birdsong break thru.
2. fiction, or sometimes biography, but mostly fiction. a good story tends my heart like nothing else. The Day the Angels Fell is one of those I've read again and again. sometimes just for fun, but also when I need the companionship of a good story to distract for a bit.
thank you for persevering in your writing Shawn.
Music often gets me through the dark days as well as picking up my camera and finding beauty.
I love your description of driving through the night! It feels so real, like I'm right there.
Is it ok to admit I'm not sure yet? I'm in the beginning of discovering what will work to support my body as she heals from sensitivities recently discovered (maybe acknowledged is a better word). I feel like I'm at the beginning of the long drive through the night, tbh. Carrying that analogy, I suppose it's looking for stars or the moon, settling in with some music to keep me company, and trying to remember that the morning will dawn. I agree that there's nothing like seeing the sky beginning to lighten after a long night awake or a very early morning start to the day!
I'm excited to hear of your new fiction being knit together!