five things friday: grief talking, shadow digging, crone teaching

Published: Fri, 10/07/22

October 7, 2022

Hello there,

It's October. The days are warm and the nights are getting that little chill. I'm contemplating a cozy sweater knit, or two, as the I watch the leaves change and begin to drop. I am ready to dive into the season of shadows and treats, so is it a surprise I've included some treats of the shadows and lessons of letting go? I hope you enjoy them.

1.
One of the best conversations about grief I have heard. Which also means one of the best conversations about living. Anderson Copper and Steven Colbert talk honestly and vulnerably in a way we don't often get to hear men do. The conversation speaks to the gifts of grief and living without bypassing the raw pain and loss. Do you heart some good and listen. You may want tissue.

2.
I was organizing the very messy stash of drawing paper and tablets along side my art table. It had become so chaotic I didn't know what I had anymore. I had to get on my hands an knees and dig into the far corners of the space to pull everything out. Buried in it all was a portfolio of past artwork and vision collages from many years ago I had forgotten about. When you dig into shadows you will find many treasures that belong to you and I found this:

It is very timely and feels like a whisper from my past self saying vision and purpose are always available. Sometimes in need of a revision, sometimes out of sight and heart, but still available. Start to connect in again with cultivating a view. Also, sometimes the shadows of our past have just what we need to get started.

3.
I love the word cultivation, "the act or process of preparing the soil for the raising of crops." To cultivate a garden, a body of knowledge, a vision, is to apprentice yourself to the process of growth. It is to attend with devotion what will be, as well as what is. It will also require getting your hands in some dirt and digging.

I shared a poem on Patreon and I'd like to share it here too.

I am 59 and it has hit me this year that I find myself on the threshold of elderhood, of beginning my apprenticeship to the next phase of life.

(original photo by Andre Taissin on Unsplash)

On Crone's Doorstep

I don't know if I belong here
I have the markings
but do I have the spirit?

I worry what they will think
seeing me at such an address
As if I belong anywhere else

As if I were not an old woman now
A distinction busting lies the magazines tell
of impossible youth

She knows I am here
on her doorstep
I could leave
and wait for her to claim me

A shadow trickster intent on
seeding wisdom however employed

Or I could knock
Be welcomed through her doorway
Sat next to the fire where a cup of tea awaits
infused with the mysteries of time

And her smiling
storytelling my future-always-world

I know my answer

A blessing for your week:

(From The Halloween Oracle by Stacey Demarco,artwork by Jimmy Manton)

May you face your blind spots and discover your treasures and power.

Until next time,
Sandi

work with me - support my writing and art - my everyday life

1025 E Cotati Ave #13
Cotati Ca 94931
USA

Unsubscribe | Change Subscriber Options