As always, Alice, your writing is truly incredible. While I've never lived on a boat, everything you describe feels so relevant to my life, on dry land in Canada.
Your comment: "I had acknowledged that life was happening right there." I sometimes stop short and think - this is life. Not things in the past or the future. The here. The now. THIS is life. How much time we spend ruminating on the past or planning for some vaporish future...when our one life is only ever in the present moment.
And how you wrap up this post; I want to write this down because how often we try to make every line straight, every experience fit into this neatly categorized box. Sometimes things just have to be free. I don't think you could have ended on any better note. <3
Gorgeous, gorgeous writing!
"I wish I knew how to end this piece of writing, to tie it up in a neat bow. Circle back and conclude succinctly. But life is rarely succinct and right now the overwhelm of personal grief and world grief—in some moments—feels too heavy to carry for so many of us and so I take that moment; that moment on the back of my boat, when the earth was wild and there was nothing I could do, and people helped each other and laughed and lived. I’ll take that, and try to remember to not overload myself, so that I may be of some use to others, in some way."
I really enjoyed these words despite the sadness that is woven through them. Those moments when the world hugs us and keeps us safe are so special and to be cherished however small. I am not surprised you were writing these words through tears. Living in the now is a wonderful place to be whether we are peeling potatoes, seeing a rainbow arching across the sky or watching a child walk for the first time. In a world that want us rushing from one thing to another those moments get left behind in the dash, leaving us devoid of all that they can hold for us. Thank you for sharing these words, as always.
Beautiful writing. So many little treasures of words to hold close. I'll be listening to this again in the evening. You ended with an intention of being of use to others, and I'd like to say, for me your kindness, prose, and wisdom are beakons of light.
As always, Alice, your writing is truly incredible. While I've never lived on a boat, everything you describe feels so relevant to my life, on dry land in Canada.
Your comment: "I had acknowledged that life was happening right there." I sometimes stop short and think - this is life. Not things in the past or the future. The here. The now. THIS is life. How much time we spend ruminating on the past or planning for some vaporish future...when our one life is only ever in the present moment.
And how you wrap up this post; I want to write this down because how often we try to make every line straight, every experience fit into this neatly categorized box. Sometimes things just have to be free. I don't think you could have ended on any better note. <3
Gorgeous, gorgeous writing!
"I wish I knew how to end this piece of writing, to tie it up in a neat bow. Circle back and conclude succinctly. But life is rarely succinct and right now the overwhelm of personal grief and world grief—in some moments—feels too heavy to carry for so many of us and so I take that moment; that moment on the back of my boat, when the earth was wild and there was nothing I could do, and people helped each other and laughed and lived. I’ll take that, and try to remember to not overload myself, so that I may be of some use to others, in some way."
I really enjoyed these words despite the sadness that is woven through them. Those moments when the world hugs us and keeps us safe are so special and to be cherished however small. I am not surprised you were writing these words through tears. Living in the now is a wonderful place to be whether we are peeling potatoes, seeing a rainbow arching across the sky or watching a child walk for the first time. In a world that want us rushing from one thing to another those moments get left behind in the dash, leaving us devoid of all that they can hold for us. Thank you for sharing these words, as always.
Beautiful writing. So many little treasures of words to hold close. I'll be listening to this again in the evening. You ended with an intention of being of use to others, and I'd like to say, for me your kindness, prose, and wisdom are beakons of light.
Such a vivid description. Kudos.
Wow, so vivid, I was there! And it's so wonderful how lovely people are, especially in our "real" lives away from media of all sorts ♥️ xx
I listened your story while I am painting... and your words speak to my heart, as always, Alice. Sending hug my friend <3