So lovely from the tiny birds in Lindisfarne to your own happiness at seeing your children and strawberries. May all go well with the medical tests. You are a joy to read.
Girl, you WRITE like an ANGEL!! You are right up there with the BEST! And the fact that you are juggling your writing with a husband and 4 kids and the urgent hard work of saving your home, makes it ASTONISHING!
Thank you, Dian! I can't tell you how much that means to me. There are so many days when it feels overwhelming, but to know that people appreciate my words makes all the difference.
When you have time (hahaha) consider putting your articles into book form. Your one on the Earthworms today is also inspiring, in the best sense of the word.
Oh my, where do I start after reading this incredible story of the little Tern. What a breath of fresh air this is.
I love all animals of every species, wild, domestic, large or small, from everywhere in the world.
I watch as many nature stories as I can. I have seen the struggles, strength and tenacious creatures they can be while raising their young, waiting for their mates, to protecting their young and finding food for them in this ever changing world. Loss of habitat, food, and so many dangers, least of all from nature and more because of humans. This story brought tears to my eyes, and then your personal story that touched me more than you could know.
Thank you. You are a superb writer and story teller. I’m sure you touched many hearts today.
I'm going to be thinking of you and your family on Tuesday, Shanley. I feel such gratitude that you folks are experiencing this blessing. I was in Al Anon once bc my husband at the time had a very serious addiction and I needed support within the 'community' to find the strength I needed to get thru. They kept saying 'you have to do the work'. Through my never-ending tears, I begged for more clarity on what the work is ... I would do anything!! They couldn't define it for me. It all ended badly but years later I realized what the work is. Life is very challenging all the time in many ways with brief but profound joys to keep our faith and hope alive. Anyway, doing the work is getting up in the morning and doing your best that day to carry out your responsibilities and show compassion and kindness and to teach your children to be good people. Your best is a variable. And there's no shame in needing support or asking for help. Use your talents and do what you love ... play to your strengths. Maybe you write, maybe you make music, maybe you garden, maybe you dance ... do what makes you feel good about yourself. Forgive yourself, forgive others, be consciously grateful, avoid perfectionism, breathe purposefully, be kind to our planet, be happy with 'enough'. That already sounds like you!!! A dog, a fairy garden, enjoying food that you grow ... your kids are going to have treasured memories of their childhood. Make sure they smell everything because our olfactory sense is the best at forming lasting memories. Hugs!!!
Laurie, thank you so much for this comment. There are so many days when it feels like my best is just not that much, and I have to remind myself that life can truly be attributed to the little things, the smell of flowers, or the first rain, or even just giving the dog a bath, they sit with you forever and maybe even when my best isn't that much these sweet kids will be able to look back and remember all those sweet little memories with love.
Shanley, I am so happy things are working out for you and your family. Whenever anyone speaks of hope, I am reminded of a line in a Stephen King movie, "Hope is a good thing, perhaps the best of things." I would also add that Hope is what makes us get up every day and live our best lives. Never be afraid to Hope.
Sending continued prayers and hugs to you and your family as we await the results of Ezra's MRI.
Thank you, Carletta. Hope is a curious feeling, but lately it means to me an unwillingness to give up, look away, and a refusal to allow the darkness of the world prevent us from seeing the light that still exists. I will be sure to keep everyone updated on baby Ezra.
So lovely from the tiny birds in Lindisfarne to your own happiness at seeing your children and strawberries. May all go well with the medical tests. You are a joy to read.
Thank you, Michele! It is an honor to have an audience that enjoys to read what I have to say.
Thank you.
Absolutely beautiful and much needed this Sunday afternoon after calming my nerves with frisbee with Fannie Belle. Thank you!
Thank you, Julian! There is almost nothing more calming than a nice game of frisbee with a furry friend.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this beautiful column. It lifted my spirits immeasurably.
Thank you, Linda! I am glad you enjoyed it!
A lovely piece. Good luck - with everything! x
Thank you, Anne!
Girl, you WRITE like an ANGEL!! You are right up there with the BEST! And the fact that you are juggling your writing with a husband and 4 kids and the urgent hard work of saving your home, makes it ASTONISHING!
Thank you, Dian! I can't tell you how much that means to me. There are so many days when it feels overwhelming, but to know that people appreciate my words makes all the difference.
When you have time (hahaha) consider putting your articles into book form. Your one on the Earthworms today is also inspiring, in the best sense of the word.
I had the exact same thought. A book by Shanley Hunt (preferably thick and heavy) would definitely be on my must-read list.
Oh my, where do I start after reading this incredible story of the little Tern. What a breath of fresh air this is.
I love all animals of every species, wild, domestic, large or small, from everywhere in the world.
I watch as many nature stories as I can. I have seen the struggles, strength and tenacious creatures they can be while raising their young, waiting for their mates, to protecting their young and finding food for them in this ever changing world. Loss of habitat, food, and so many dangers, least of all from nature and more because of humans. This story brought tears to my eyes, and then your personal story that touched me more than you could know.
Thank you. You are a superb writer and story teller. I’m sure you touched many hearts today.
Thank you, Cheryl! I am so glad this story touched you, and I hope you are right that it was able to touch others as well.
I'm going to be thinking of you and your family on Tuesday, Shanley. I feel such gratitude that you folks are experiencing this blessing. I was in Al Anon once bc my husband at the time had a very serious addiction and I needed support within the 'community' to find the strength I needed to get thru. They kept saying 'you have to do the work'. Through my never-ending tears, I begged for more clarity on what the work is ... I would do anything!! They couldn't define it for me. It all ended badly but years later I realized what the work is. Life is very challenging all the time in many ways with brief but profound joys to keep our faith and hope alive. Anyway, doing the work is getting up in the morning and doing your best that day to carry out your responsibilities and show compassion and kindness and to teach your children to be good people. Your best is a variable. And there's no shame in needing support or asking for help. Use your talents and do what you love ... play to your strengths. Maybe you write, maybe you make music, maybe you garden, maybe you dance ... do what makes you feel good about yourself. Forgive yourself, forgive others, be consciously grateful, avoid perfectionism, breathe purposefully, be kind to our planet, be happy with 'enough'. That already sounds like you!!! A dog, a fairy garden, enjoying food that you grow ... your kids are going to have treasured memories of their childhood. Make sure they smell everything because our olfactory sense is the best at forming lasting memories. Hugs!!!
Laurie, thank you so much for this comment. There are so many days when it feels like my best is just not that much, and I have to remind myself that life can truly be attributed to the little things, the smell of flowers, or the first rain, or even just giving the dog a bath, they sit with you forever and maybe even when my best isn't that much these sweet kids will be able to look back and remember all those sweet little memories with love.
Shanley, it's simple. Just like the terns, you are loved by people that you will never meet and who never expect to be repaid. How sweet is that?
That is a stunningly beautiful parallel. ❤️
Shanley, I am so happy things are working out for you and your family. Whenever anyone speaks of hope, I am reminded of a line in a Stephen King movie, "Hope is a good thing, perhaps the best of things." I would also add that Hope is what makes us get up every day and live our best lives. Never be afraid to Hope.
Sending continued prayers and hugs to you and your family as we await the results of Ezra's MRI.
Thank you, Carletta. Hope is a curious feeling, but lately it means to me an unwillingness to give up, look away, and a refusal to allow the darkness of the world prevent us from seeing the light that still exists. I will be sure to keep everyone updated on baby Ezra.
You are welcome!
"Protect your inner peace."
"Because a candle that burns itself out cannot give light to anyone."
"A peaceful heart is not escaping the world...
it is serving the world in the most powerful way possible."
A reminder to us all to take good care of ourselves so that we can be there for others.