First off, here are links to stories that I allude to in this podcast, by my very much admired friend, who lives far away, but is definitely a kindred spirit, Elizabeth Lamont
She has more, but this is the series in order (to date). Amazing.
Anyway, this podcast is possibly approaching a bit of a manifesto, as it relates to care for each other. And care for other others (the four-legged innocents who populate our world and show us exactly who we are, Really). I hope you can join.
I am appreciative to so many people who have inspired this shift in my thinking - not least my husband, who still does not want a Cast of Characters intro, being very private and also leery of social media, even Substack. However, without him there would be no me, at least not in this safe enough form doing what I do, writing what I write.
Karen Gibson, from Gibson Collaborative Care, is a trusted person for me and has done a lot to help me clear my head and calm my heart, and then practically do something about it, in the real world. I found you exactly at the right time, Karen.
And Deborah Marshall, from Generation Farms, was instrumental in changing my perception of life enough that I don’t think it’s a stretch to say she did change my life. Thank you.
I don’t want to start with friends and family members, because this is a post, not a thank you speech at the Oscars. However, I have to say, that the work involved, the costs, and gifts and love and unconditional positive regard that it takes, and upon which I am still drawing, to get from there to here, is immense, and un-repayable.
These days I am learning, and growing, and no longer (often) in a place like “the Districts;” more often in a place like “the meadow.” (And thank you, Suzanne Collins, for that brilliant “fictional” work which I have drawn so much from as well…)
Happy Friday. May you be safe enough.
