It’s been a few days since the bombing in Paris, and yet, of course, it still resides, like a black tumor, inside of my psyche. First, I want to say that I am so so sorry–to everyone directly involved, and to those indirectly involved and to the entire world community that is trying to find a way to cope with the consequences of evil.
If you know my work, you know that I never mention politics, but I find that this is one of the times that world events overshadow everything but the primal reality of being human, and all the good and the bad entailed in our species. Sometimes the amount of suffering in the world feels overwhelming. And yet, there is only so much we can do, and sometimes one of those things is to provide solace to ourselves and those around us.
Coincidentally, I have been asking friends about website/blogs that they count on to make their day a little better. And so I’ll pass some of these along, in hopes that many of you will add some of your own.
Here’s one thing I can count on every day when I turn on my computer: The Writer’s Almanac. Not only does it have a poem each day that comes to my inbox, it always contains information about the life of one or more well-known writers. It’s both fascinating and uplifting. My good friend Meg reminded me of the astounding photographs that primatologist and author Frans de Waal publishes every day on his public Facebook page. There are more astounding photographs to be found on Earth Porn (just the name makes me smile, thank you Ellen for the suggestion!) I can never go wrong by checking into Brené Brown’s website, or re-reading Tiny, Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed.
And of course, I also turn to the opposite of cyber solace–Willie, Maggie and Tootsie. I got home last night from out of town, and I imagine they were wondering why their belly rub quota had increased… But I thought in this blog it would be good to focus on the good side of the internet to counter act the pain that it can also bring.
What about you? Where do you go in cyber space for solace and inspiration? I think we all could use an addition to our list.
MEANWHILE, back on the farm: Little Big Man the ram is doing his job well. Lady Baa Baa is now bred, along with her mother. We’re only breeding three ewes this year; cross your paws that Pepper will be bred soon so that the rest of the flock can come back into the barn area and re-unite with the rest.
It’s a nasty, rainy day right now, so I’m going to post some of the photos from the past that make me happy and give me solace. I hope they do you too.
Here’s Willie going “Away” on a winter’s day. I enlarged this photo and put it in the garage. Makes me happy every time I come home.
Feathers from a friend’s rooster. Gorgeous.
From the Japanese Garden in Portland, Oregon. Makes me sigh with happiness. I hope it does you too.
And, oh, one more thing if you’re still with me. My memoir just went out today to publishers. Eeeeps. Incredibly Terrifying Exciting. Cross your fingers, paws, hooves or wings. I should know within a month if one of the big houses wants it, and when it might come out. I’ll keep you posted.
Amy Martin says
Thank you for this post. And thank you for reminding us that it’s safe to feel vulnerable; the world is feeling that vulnerability as One right now. I agree that it is the “primal reality of being human” that causes us to experience these waves of emotions during times like these, and it is the “good and the bad” that we see in our species that causes the seemingly never ending waves.
I wholeheartedly agree in regards to “there is only so much we can do, and sometimes one of those things is to provide solace to ourselves”. I have found that this is the key to finding peace, happiness, and joy during difficult times. If we can remember to first look within to find peace and sanctuary, we are creating a path to help everyone else. One very powerful way that I am able to always find joy and healing is in nature. Walking in the woods, smelling the scent of the earth, watching the changing leaves falling, while my canine companion is freely frolicking by my side, never fails to reminds me that all really is well in the world. This is also a reminder that it’s up to each of us to find those pockets of playfulness and peace within our individual world. When we light up our individual lives we can then shine our light into the world.
Many blessings to you, and I wish you much success with your memoirs!
widogmom says
This always seems to work for me:
http://www.zooborns.com/
I find Eldad Hagar’s work very inspiring and uplifting:
http://www.hopeforpaws.org/
When I just want to laugh at something:
http://www.cakewrecks.com/
I hope one of these helps somebody feel a little better. Peace to all who seek it.
Jeanne says
Whose blog do I chose first for a heart-smile? Yours.
Kathleen Daniel says
Patricia,
Thank you for the websites, I am sure they will bring joy. Your memoir will be fabulous, like everything you write. Like you, I am focused
on my lovely Dobe and not trying to figure out this crazy world. Let’s just pray we all stay safe.
Lacey says
That gorgeous picture of the Japanese garden is like some small art prints and photos I have hanging around; they too are for refreshing solace.
Your website, with stories of dogs getting and doing better is solace for me.
Elizabeth says
Two I like are http://calmthings.blogspot.ca – photos and quotes from poems that the blogger, Shawna Lemay likes – very peaceful to read; and http://www.chookooloonks.com/blog – Karen Walrond’s blog. Her motto is “Look for the Light”, and the quote she posted today from Will Durant has comforted me all day. I also love the dailyoverview pictures on Instagram – stunning photos from above Earth.
Woohoo for your book – I can’t imagine any publishing house wouldn’t want it!!
Jan says
We got our 2nd sheltie 4 years ago. Myka, is a tall blue meryl. Came from a farm in Washington. We run agility, your book “other end of the leash is standard reading in our house. You’ve taught us much about smart, high energy, barkers.
Enough! Jan F. Denver Colorado
melf says
When I need something uplifting or inspiring I got to the Following Atticus Facebook page. Tom always inspired me.
lynn says
The most effective way to anesthetize myself from reports of death seems to be to involve myself with those living. So I do a lot of that, and actively aim to move myself outside my comfort zone on a regular basis. Regularly overwhelming myself with other people seems to be the healthiest thing I’ve done in ages…go figure.
I don’t typically try to retreat from tragic news, so have no cyber refuges to list. Instead, I read and think, which works for me but isn’t something I’d insist every person do. I mean, The Intercept probably isn’t the kind of solace you’re looking for, and that seems reasonable to me. I am sorry for your pain, Trisha, and appreciate all the writing you have brought into my life. I look forward very much to your memoir.
To feel numb, I play video games, or chill out online. To feel vibrant and joyful, I connect. With my dog, who is pure enthusiasm. With my friends, who are all-too-human. With the world, with its contradictions. With the mountains, and their vastness.
There is a squirrel family (or group? they are fox squirrels, and I don’t necessarily understand their social patterns) that has a big nest in a tree right outside my bedroom. It is cold at night here, now; my silly dog has to burrow under the covers with us, all 60 lbs of her, thrashing legs and everything. At first light, I hear the squirrel family complaining at each other, the way rodents do — like, after this long night we spent curled up and pressed together, how dare you move, squeak squeak, groaning complaint sound, sooo inconvenient. Then the sound of yawning and scampering, and I know the tight warm ball of rodentia has temporarily split up, and also that they will be back together once night falls, snuggling and muttering and washing each others’ ears in their very bossy way. I love rodents.
Andy says
My biggest solace in times of distress is probably dumb and not-so-dumb vintage television and movies. That, and really loud music (thanks, Cecil, for your patience and grace in the event of punk rock!)
Also, I’m with Jeanne – your kindness, even when confronted, is an ongoing inspiration and your dogs are adorable. Looking forward to the book!
Trisha says
I am greatly touched by those of you who said you turned to my blog on occasion for solace or inspiration. I never saw that coming, but appreciate it all the more. Thank you so very, very much.
Mireille says
Here another one who turns to your blog and to all the comments from fellow dog lovers that are added for solace. Reading, snuggling, and cuddling with the dogs, walking and running outside are also favourite. As I was watching the news about Paris I started to cry, and Shadow came up to me to check if I was okay and to lick the tears from my face. My sweet strong boy…
I also turned on the camera once more, something that helps me see the beauty outside. Trish, I love your pictures and I’m experimenting with moods and textures at the moment.
Anybody interested is some silly pics and sometimes good ones of my dogs, you can see me on instagram spot.shadow
And for you Trisha, meet Jessy, our friends elven year old BC https://www.dropbox.com/s/qu8wlynlf41qhbz/IMG_9285.jpg?dl=0
When I emailed them these pics – and others the owners were soooo happy, made me smile too
Anne Baker says
4 weeks ago I adopted a 6-year old dog at the Animal
League no-kill shelter in Green Valley where I volunteer. Meeko is the most loving, affectionate dog imaginable,. He will cuddle, snuggle, and lean his head into anyone’s chest who picks him up or lets him on their lap. We are his 3rd family in his short lifetime, and he was found under an RV by his 2nd owner, so he has experienced being lost in the Sonoran desert. He has also known shelter life. He has survived through love. He has an extraordinary capacity for loving, and knows how to show it. All the volunteers loved him in return, and I was the lucky one who now is lavished upon (and lavishes in return!). I felt horrified and sick at heart at the Paris attacks, and am so glad, Pat, that you shared your own feelings in your blog. I needed to connect with people who are expressing their feelings about it and sharing ways of coping with the inexplicable cruelty. So, I increase my contact with animals and people who are loving, and I expand my ways of showing love to new and old friends and being open to receiving love in return. Meeko is my latest and one of the greatest teachers of the power of love to restore a sagging spirit. I’ve also just published a book of compassionate prayers and stories entitled, “Pet Illness, Pet Loss, and Prayers That Help,” which offers spiritual comfort, strength, and courage to people whose pets are facing serious illness or injury. The little book comes from the place of my heart to uplift the breaking hearts of others.
It helps me to know that in my own way, I’m doing what I can to alleviate suffering in this ol’ world.
AJ Meier says
onbeing.org and Elizabeth Gilbert on FaceBook —
Chris from Boise says
I’m enjoying exploring the blogs all have listed above, and delighted that you’ve sent off your memoirs, Trish. Now..the wait.
As far as solace from the tragedies of the world: when overwhelmed by the follies of humankind, I seek nature. When my heart is filled to overflowing, I can reach out and connect with humankind again. We certainly are a complicated species.