I haven’t been around these parts in quite some time.
Part of me feels badly about that, but another part knows it was necessary.
I needed that time to hunker down and conserve strength.
And the good news is that I am feeling stronger and more resilient these days.
Yay, me!
Stuff has fallen apart.
But I’ve come to understand on a whole new level that stuff falls apart for everyone.
Every day.
Life as we know it is an ongoing series of sunshine and shit-storms,
and I’m learning not to fight that truth.
As Pema Chodron writes in WHEN THINGS FALL APART:
Things falling apart is a kind of testing and also a kind of healing. We think that the point is to pass the test or to overcome the problem, but the truth is that things don’t really get solved. They come together and they fall apart. Then they come together again and fall apart again. It’s just like that. The healing comes from letting there be room for all of this to happen: room for grief, for relief, for misery, for joy.
I’m grateful for that tiny Buddhist nun and the wisdom she shares, and I’m grateful for friends who reached out during my hunkering-down. I apologize for the silence and will be in touch.
Tracy in search of Owls
Tracy Abell 
I am sorry about the falling apart, necessary as it may be. It’s good to see you.
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Thank you, Jeannine. After hiding out for so long, it’s good to be seen. And to see you, too.
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I understand hiding, but it is good to wave from time to time. I am sending good thoughts your way. xo
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You’re the best.
*waves*
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I was just thinking about you, since I saw your article in the SCBWI Bulletin. Glad you are “reappearing” here, and hope the sun is shining on you again.
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Hey Jenn! I received my Bulletin yesterday and saw that you’ve published a writing book. Congratulations! I see it’s sold as a Kindle ebook. Pardon my techno-illiteracy, but does that work with a Nook?
Wishing sunshine for you, too!
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Thanks, Tracy!
(The book is also available in Nook format.)
Let’s catch us some sunshiney rays …
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*smacks forehead* I didn’t think to go to B & N to see if it was available there. However, after you pointed me in the right direction I was able to buy a copy! Looking forward to reading it.
And I had some sunshine today. Hope you did, too!
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Sending lots of love and a hug your way, dear Tracy. I love Pema too, what a gift she is to the world…and for that matter, what a gift you are too. ❤
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Lorraine!! Happily accepting the love and hugs, and sending more to you.
It doesn’t surprise me one bit you’re already tapped into Pema. You’re my even-keeled, big-hearted friend whose feathers don’t ruffle so easily.
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It’s wonderful to hear your voice again, Tracy! That is a beautiful quote, and I’m glad you hunkered when you needed to. I’m sending much empathy and a big hug. We put a bird bath into our garden this spring, and when the birds splash around in it, I often think of you. xo
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Thank you so much for that hug, Amy. Your heart shines across the miles. As for thinking of me when you see the birds splashing around in your garden, that made my heart sing. Really and truly.
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