13 Comments
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Mama's avatar

Love this sweetheart! Great knowledge comes with it.

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Kateri Ewing's avatar

A lot of people have made a very bad choice. The rest of us will need to find ways to deal with it, and make it better.

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Margi Rohde's avatar

This is beautiful and wise, Kateri. I think of two things, one is to look to the good (from my daughter when my son-in-law had cancer), and the other (from Mr. Rogers) to look for the helpers. One of the things I've been haphazard about, which you have long advocated is to give our tiny (or not) paintings away. My life crosses many others in the course of a week, I want to be much more focused, courageous, and prepared to give my art away. Perhaps that little act can bring beauty and connection into someone else's life. Thank you for your insightful words and may your shoulder heal thoroughly and quickly. Blessings, Margi

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Kateri Ewing's avatar

Look to the good. Look for the helpers. Very sound words. And yes... those paintings can bring two-fold joy. It's a pretty great feeling to make someone smile :) I just did it the other day. I"m going to take a stack to the nursing home in a couple weeks, to give to those who do not have family or friends visiting for the holidays. It goes a long way.

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Kateri Ewing's avatar

Thank you, dear Margi. I am so disappointed that so many felt the only choice or even the best choice was such a vile, foul human being. I get the worries people have. I get the economy. But the economy will be okay, we have been in far worse shape and yet thrived again. The spirit and character of our nation will not be okay. SO... we will march on, resilient, the helpers :)

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Julie Lynn's avatar

Thanks Kateri! I love this. Resilience is definitely a more comforting thing to strive for and helps to think of actions we can take. Thanks so much for the suggestions. I have definitely wondered what now? Your writing gives me direction. I love the idea of giving art away. Funny - the last time I did that regularly was 2016 for some of the same reasons. Peace, love and healing to you.

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Kateri Ewing's avatar

And to you, Julie. I think giving art away is huge gift for the spirit 🩵

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Crowharp's avatar

Before dear friend TR Ritchie passed of cancer, he left us this beautiful anthem reminding us that "sometimes small and twisted things can split the hardest stone". Rest in progress, peace and power, TR. 🙏🏻

https://youtu.be/Y0_snNUM_L0?si=Qil1d_uz1dW_A4ki

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Crowharp's avatar

Truly, everyone needs to hear this song, and we need to sing it to ourselves as a balm to our souls and a buttress and encouragement to our own resilience.

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Crowharp's avatar

WHITEBARK

This is the life I have been given

These are the seasons of my time

And I am seeking out the light

According to design

I’ve weathered storms I cannot count

To make this world my home

In a place where small and twisted things

Can split the hardest stone

In one like me you might not see

How I have managed to exist

A fragile, crooked rack of limbs

In terrain as rough as this

But to those who take their chances here

Experience has shown

That sometimes small and twisted things

Can split the hardest stone

So shed no tears of pity here

Spin no tales of tragic grace

Just let it be enough that life

Is blooming in this rocky place

It is the proof that seeds will grow

Wherever they are sown

And that sometimes small and twisted things

Can split the hardest stone

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Kateri Ewing's avatar

I’m so sorry for your loss.

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Kateri Ewing's avatar

That’s a lovely saying. Thank you. And again, so sorry for the loss of your friend.

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Alexander Lovell, PhD's avatar

"Resilience is my ticket to healing swiftly and getting back to normal." This line really struck me. It's a powerful reminder that our perspective can be a powerful tool for healing and growth. When we view challenges as opportunities for resilience, we open ourselves up to a world of possibility. It's not about denying the pain or difficulty, but rather about choosing to focus on our ability to overcome.

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