With the turning of the seasonal wheel, I’m apparently ready to return to blogging. I’m ready for many things – I feel like I’m on fire with a return of my creative mojo and an amplification of my curiosity. We all have our ebbs and flows; our times for quietly replenishing and then times to outflow. It’s a natural cycle and I don’t think it requires any particular explanation or apology. But so many people have been talking to me about this phenomenon, and I can’t help but think that it has more to do with our personal and collective responses in this time of Covid-19 than one might imagine.
When there is great challenge, or even a sustained drain or leakage of energy such as the pandemic has wrought, many of us think that perhaps it’s our job to contribute more. That we need to offer up something, even if it’s unclear to us what that might be. We want to nurture, just as we want to be nurtured. But really, that’s pretty much a trap isn’t it? Instead I think we all need to gently, with great care and great compassion, care for ourselves. And then extend outwards, even if it’s only measured in inches and not life-altering distances. Compassion, compassion, compassion, for self and others, is the mantra you’ll most likely hear me expressing these days.
But back to blogging. Whenever I’m gone for a while, I both feel like I have LOTS to say and like I hardly know where to begin, which can be overwhelming. So a plan is often in order, and I’ve formulated mine. I’m ready to do another abecedarium. In fact, I’m doing several of them – one on Instagram, one in a zine I’m slowly putting together, and now one here. I’m not committing to any regimented publishing schedule, but rather will post as inspired by whatever letter is up next. Sounds perfect to me – an easy invitation.
And so I’ll begin easily today, with a simple post that people often tell me they enjoy.
A is for…assemblage. Below is a list of links I’ve gathered of things I think are delightful, interesting and/or worth sharing. I invite you to take your time exploring. After all, I think we all could use more spaciousness – don’t you?
- Aromatherapy and Bees (and the interesting implication for rental bees vs native bees.
- Are we about to get a second moon? Whether it happens or not, it kind of makes me want to re-read The Three-Body Problem, the sci-fi novel about orbital mechanics.
- The Wide Awakes. You know I love the power of grassroots and the joy of helping support crowd-sourced projects on Kickstarter. Here’s one I love. And I loved learning a bit about the history of the original Wide Awakes.
- I’m fascinated by hands, and I found this article interesting.
- This art is beautiful and reminds me about perception and illusion – topics I think are especially important in these times.
Seven is a significant number for me, so I’ll stop here. But I invite you to play along as well. What A word is piquing your interest today? Is there something you’re finding yourself curious about or increasingly passionate about? Enjoy my linky posts and want more? Do tell – you know I love to hear.
With the leaves changing colour where I am, I think it has to be ‘arboretum’ for me! I always enjoy your abedariums – it’s great to see a new one (and hear news of more).
Oooh, arboretum is a perfect word Kathleen! I spotted the very first yellow leaves today. It’s still a bit early for where I’m at, but I imagine it won’t be long before the trees are wearing their autumn outfits. Enjoy the trees and colors and all things autumn.
Hari OM
Welcome back from blogging respite, Deborah – and I always enjoy your linkies!!! Life for me has become single-purposed in the cares of father, so having channels to let the mind wander and be free of such concern is very welcome. YAM xx
Finding moments of respite from the demands of caregiving is essential, and I’m glad to hear you’re finding some ways to it Yamini. Frankly I love doing link shares, so I may have to commit to doing them on some kind of regular basis. The world is filled with so much goodness, and so many interesting things – it’s such a joy to share them when they cross our paths.
Welcome back. Love your ABCs. I have been busy, busy, busy with work the past few weeks, a very good thing for me but leaves me no time for play. I’ll have to come back and follow your links. You always have such interesting information.
Thanks for the welcome back Janet – it’s good to be “home” again. I hope you manage to find some play time amidst your working schedule this fall. I know your studio is calling to you.
Blogging has been my lifeline throughout this pandemic and the increased isolation. When I write, it’s communication (even though it’s one way) and I feel like I’m getting out some of my worries, as well as focusing on my coping strategies. I’m happy for the links and will explore them.
Good for you Margaret for understanding what is nurturing and supportive for you during this time, and maintaining your practice. I always especially enjoy seeing your photos when you’re out and about. Your seasons are slightly ahead of mine and it’s a fun preview.
Crazy days for sure…THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH for the WONDERFUL AUTUMNAL SNAIL MAIL! You always surprise me, and I AM GRATEFUL!!!
BE WELL, STAY SAFE!
It’s always a delight to visit your mailbox Vicki. Wishing you a wonderful autumn filled with inspiration and all good things.
Hi Deborah – great to see you again … your words always calm us … life does go on – I can only think of Autumnal Blogging Curious – something I’ve done since my mother became terminally ill in 2007 and just settled into the comfort of the blogging world – without the hassle of social media – keeps me sane, occupied with learning more … and generally being curious about all things.
Good to see – all the best – Hilary
It’s good to be back Hilary – thanks for the welcome. It’s interesting to look back at our blogging beginnings, and it sounds like you found it at the perfect time. Things certainly have changed externally, but I’m glad there’s no off switch when it comes to curiosity. What would we do without it?