If only you knew how often I tell myself the same thing, Michael. Still, it’s so comforting to hear it from others because it helps me feel more grounded and at peace. Thank you for reading. xo
Thank you Thaissa, there are so many gems of wisdom in this essay. Your words about mentors are wise, just as the reminder to dig deep and build bridges is.
I wish you a happy, wonderful spring as we are heading into autumn. Also, I always appreciate your pictures!
Donna, there are certain voices that truly resonate with our souls, and yours has been one of those for me from the start. Your gentleness touches me deeply, and when you say I’ve written something beautiful, I not only hear your words—I believe them because I know they come from your heart. I’m so grateful for your companionship. Thank you.
I remember one winter I was sitting in a church. Alone. I don’t really remember why. Maybe it was to warm up on my walk home. The dark light from the stained glass window shone onto the pew in which I sat. And from the other side of that window, I heard it. So how do you know God exists? The same reason you hear birds chirping in the dead of winter. 💚
I was just reflecting on my day and the prayers on my mind. I spent time at one of my favorite churches today and felt God's presence close to my heart. It was truly a blessing to experience that and to receive this comment as well. Thank you.
Each day, I find myself believing in this more deeply. Over the past twelve months, I’ve been reflecting on how I’ve been caught up in the idea of time rather than timing. In those moments of reflection, I felt God speaking to me. I’ve come to realize that while I can’t control time itself, I do have some influence over timing. It’s in the timing that the magic happens—where life’s most meaningful moments unfold, not just because time has passed, but because I was present and aware enough to catch the wave when it came.
wonderful images, more wonderful to sense again your always grateful, gentle and generous spirit...who knew Brazil has these stark seasons, magnificent birds and of course lurking in the background: cheesebreads! xo
Oh Appleton, you’re truly one of the kindest souls on this platform. Even when I’m not as present as I once was, I know I can rely on you to see the beauty in what I share. I’m so grateful for that. xo
So happy to see your name in my feed Thaissa! And so interesting to read about Spring springing when it’s almost Fall here, I really had to step into your piece and feel it. I’m not the biggest fan of birds (big unpredictable swooping things 🙈) but this piece helped me gain a new perspective on them (seagulls are still the worst though). I love your reflection on mentors, I think it’s truly a gift to have someone in your life (even a bird!) to call a mentor. 🤍🤍🤍
When I woke up and saw your comment today, Arty, it truly lifted my spirits. Your care and attention to my writing mean the world to me. I consider you one of my most treasured readers. Thank you.
A bird, a patient, an artist—I’ve always made it a point to honor every mentor I’ve had, because how could I not?
I’m sorry I haven’t been the engaged reader I once was for you. As I mentioned, this season has been a bit challenging for me. xo
I'm reading the book "Signs" now by Laura Lynn Jackson. Have you read it? Her point is that the Universe is speaking to us through symbols all the time--especially our loved ones 'on the other side.' You are so open and aware of these whispers. You might love the book!
Thank you, Isabel. Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how some signs aren’t fully understood when they first appear in our lives. Have you ever felt like you didn’t grasp the significance of something until much later, when it suddenly clicks? It’s like revisiting a book over and over until we’re finally ready to absorb its message, or like a photographer finally developing old photos, revealing what’s been hidden all along. Also, I haven’t forgotten about you—I’ll resubscribe soon and catch up on what I’ve missed. xo
It’s comforting to hear that this perspective resonates with you too. The idea that our words might connect with readers in the right way provides a sense of reassurance, and I’m pleased it has brought you solace in your own writing journey.
Writers with kids have the secret knowledge that we’re already cringe, so we don’t worry about our writing ;) I had no idea how embarrassing I was before my 8 year old told me time and again.
It turns out we have more in common than we might have guessed, right? 😆 I’m at a loss for words to fully express my gratitude for your readership. Thank you for your kindness. I’m sorry I haven’t been as present lately, but I still love your writing just as much. xo
Sharing our thoughts in as true a version as we can present them is all we can do — the rest is up to something higher.
Lovely words Thaissa
If only you knew how often I tell myself the same thing, Michael. Still, it’s so comforting to hear it from others because it helps me feel more grounded and at peace. Thank you for reading. xo
My pleasure :)
Thank you Thaissa, there are so many gems of wisdom in this essay. Your words about mentors are wise, just as the reminder to dig deep and build bridges is.
I wish you a happy, wonderful spring as we are heading into autumn. Also, I always appreciate your pictures!
Donna, there are certain voices that truly resonate with our souls, and yours has been one of those for me from the start. Your gentleness touches me deeply, and when you say I’ve written something beautiful, I not only hear your words—I believe them because I know they come from your heart. I’m so grateful for your companionship. Thank you.
Right back at you!
I remember one winter I was sitting in a church. Alone. I don’t really remember why. Maybe it was to warm up on my walk home. The dark light from the stained glass window shone onto the pew in which I sat. And from the other side of that window, I heard it. So how do you know God exists? The same reason you hear birds chirping in the dead of winter. 💚
I was just reflecting on my day and the prayers on my mind. I spent time at one of my favorite churches today and felt God's presence close to my heart. It was truly a blessing to experience that and to receive this comment as well. Thank you.
Someone once said this world is too small for coincidences :)
Each day, I find myself believing in this more deeply. Over the past twelve months, I’ve been reflecting on how I’ve been caught up in the idea of time rather than timing. In those moments of reflection, I felt God speaking to me. I’ve come to realize that while I can’t control time itself, I do have some influence over timing. It’s in the timing that the magic happens—where life’s most meaningful moments unfold, not just because time has passed, but because I was present and aware enough to catch the wave when it came.
wonderful images, more wonderful to sense again your always grateful, gentle and generous spirit...who knew Brazil has these stark seasons, magnificent birds and of course lurking in the background: cheesebreads! xo
Oh Appleton, you’re truly one of the kindest souls on this platform. Even when I’m not as present as I once was, I know I can rely on you to see the beauty in what I share. I’m so grateful for that. xo
keep hoping the hummingbirds ive nurtured maniacally all summer end up in your backyard...i know...its a longshot😚
Birds are so mysterious. Who knows the secrets they hold within or where they come from, right?
So happy to see your name in my feed Thaissa! And so interesting to read about Spring springing when it’s almost Fall here, I really had to step into your piece and feel it. I’m not the biggest fan of birds (big unpredictable swooping things 🙈) but this piece helped me gain a new perspective on them (seagulls are still the worst though). I love your reflection on mentors, I think it’s truly a gift to have someone in your life (even a bird!) to call a mentor. 🤍🤍🤍
When I woke up and saw your comment today, Arty, it truly lifted my spirits. Your care and attention to my writing mean the world to me. I consider you one of my most treasured readers. Thank you.
A bird, a patient, an artist—I’ve always made it a point to honor every mentor I’ve had, because how could I not?
I’m sorry I haven’t been the engaged reader I once was for you. As I mentioned, this season has been a bit challenging for me. xo
You are amazing Thaissa 🫶🏻 I wish you strength and love through this season and all the rest. 🤍
Right back at you, my friend! xo
I'm reading the book "Signs" now by Laura Lynn Jackson. Have you read it? Her point is that the Universe is speaking to us through symbols all the time--especially our loved ones 'on the other side.' You are so open and aware of these whispers. You might love the book!
Thank you, Isabel. Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how some signs aren’t fully understood when they first appear in our lives. Have you ever felt like you didn’t grasp the significance of something until much later, when it suddenly clicks? It’s like revisiting a book over and over until we’re finally ready to absorb its message, or like a photographer finally developing old photos, revealing what’s been hidden all along. Also, I haven’t forgotten about you—I’ll resubscribe soon and catch up on what I’ve missed. xo
"In the end, we can only hope the reader will connect with our words in the right way. That thought comforts me"
Thinking this way has been a source of great comfort for me too since I started writing.
Thanks for sharing this Thaissa
It’s comforting to hear that this perspective resonates with you too. The idea that our words might connect with readers in the right way provides a sense of reassurance, and I’m pleased it has brought you solace in your own writing journey.
Writers with kids have the secret knowledge that we’re already cringe, so we don’t worry about our writing ;) I had no idea how embarrassing I was before my 8 year old told me time and again.
Your child is smart, Natalie. I don’t typically use that word, but in this case, it feels particularly fitting. Thanks for reading. xo
Your writings make me long for a place that has distinct seasons. I’m in south Florida. I miss fall the most and then the chill of winter.
Thank you for reading, Monica! I believe there’s a universal comfort in knowing that change is the only constant, right? xo
I love that we’re experiencing the seasons change together — just in the opposite 😆💗
It turns out we have more in common than we might have guessed, right? 😆 I’m at a loss for words to fully express my gratitude for your readership. Thank you for your kindness. I’m sorry I haven’t been as present lately, but I still love your writing just as much. xo