The last time we saw Chippy in September
I am stopping by to say hello to this blogging world: Hello, Hello!
I am sorry to have seemingly deserted this rich and beautiful place, but it seems like the Universe (whom I hold dear and absolute) has alternate plans lately.
I am sorry to have not faithfully read your blog. And yours. And yours. I do not want you to think I don’t like you. It’s just that the Universe beckons elsewhere and like a smitten lover–I follow when the Universe points another direction.
Apron in the sunlight hanging on circular stairway
It’s just that words desert us sometimes. They scurry underground, or head toward another source. They veer toward another who wants to share.
Sometimes I feel like I shared myself empty in so many years of blogging. What possibly could be left to say? You talk and talk and talk and suddenly–what remains is a rich and vibrant and beautiful silence that can’t be adequately expressed.
Every time I try to express this amazing silence it feels half-true, half-alive. So I plant and harvest kale, tomatoes, broccoli, fiery jalapenos, and amazing rattlesnake beans that keep giving on and on and on.
We hired contractors to re-roof our house, to put in several new windows this autumn. We cut down trees because they’re too close to the shed. We readied our woodpile for the winter.
We linger on the deck during these warm November days grilling zucchini and pearly onions and fat pink shrimp. Sometimes we sip wine or beer or an icy margarita!
1949 Studebaker with two logs
Life here is rich and full in our Little House in the Big Woods. Since we lost my dad last January I’ve been traveling south faithfully a lot lately to spend time with my mom. Will soon be joining her in Florida to celebrate her 84th birthday!
I wish you well. I wish words could describe this rich and poignant period in my life. I wish…so many things. But what is real is what appears and sometimes blogging appears…and sometimes it doesn’t.
Thank you for all that you are! I sip a cup of white peppermint tea and remember you. Keep writing and reading and being your unique beautiful selves as the season turn…
Lake Superior Spirit 
Good to hear from you Kathy! So sorry to hear about your dad – it’s so hard to lose a parent. Where in Florida does your mom live?
Right about now I’d do most anything to live the life you have. My thoughts would be turning toward winter in all it’s snowy glory. Florida does absolutely nothing for my soul. I feel empty here.
Enough from gloomy me. Hugs and much love from a huge fan of your writing. You have a gift, my friend.
Hello, Bree, I was just thinking of our Mackinac Island experience the other day. So sorry to hear your soul is not being fed in Florida. That must be so challenging. Are you still going to the island in the summer? My mom is in Fort Myers Beach right now. So that’s where I’ll be flying to visit her. She also lives downstate in the Thumb. Thank you for your kind words and it’s so good to see you again (virtually).
It is good to hear your voice, happy and healthy. Have you started your mentoring of your successor at the township yet?
Happy, healthy and whole for now–thank goodness. Yep, have been training Krystal regularly and enjoying her company. She seems to be catching on. Tomorrow night is my last regular meeting–hoot hoot! Looking forward to a new chapter of life starting. But still staying on at the school Have you been up here a lot lately? Enjoying your home overlooking Lake Superior?
So nice to see you here Kathy. I think of you often, and am glad to hear that things have been good for you in your little house in the woods. Sounds like you’re ready for winter, and enjoying this long, lingering fall. So warm for November. So wonderful. Enjoy your time with your mom. I know she enjoys your company too. Have a good holiday season!
Hi, Dawn, thanks for dropping by and commenting! Can you believe this weather? I can’t. Simply amazing for early November. Maybe we’ll all be able to get through the winter much easier. 🙂 Have been downstate a lot this year, but not visiting friends much. It seems the time of life to do things with my mom–really enjoying being with her. Thanks for your good wishes and happy holiday season to you! (Heavens, that sounds weird to type. It’s still a ways away!) Hope you are doing well.
Delighted to hear from you
Kathy!
I want to honor and affirm your sense that silence can be richer than words!
May you continue to response to each
Grace of the moment as the seasons turn
Here Fall is unbelievably beautiful
And it lingers for us to enjoy!
May you be blessed within each moment especially with wine
Or a margarita!!!!!!!
Fountainpen!!!!
Fountainpen, how lovely to hear from you as well. Sometimes I can’t reconcile that the silence seems to preclude friendships at times. But you are so often in my heart and I know you understand the draw toward a life of reflection and silence and presence. (Laughing at your blessing concerning our choice of drinks. LOL!)
So glad to hear you’re doing well!
Well and kickin’ as the saying goes. Hope you’re doing well on Beaver Island. Will be flying over there soon and will wave big through the airplane window, OK? Thanks for stopping by to say hello. 🙂
Hey, you! I’ve missed you. It is good to hear from you again.
A blast from the past! Thanks for reading and saying hello. Hope all is going well with you, and those eagle-eyes are enjoying themselves. Take care…
So good to read your words, Kathy.
I guess a person has to say hi to their friends every once in a while, Laurie. I know you are “sky high” these days with the publication of your book. Wishing you the absolute BEST with thousands (millions?) of sales as your book-child sails forth into the world. YOU GO!
Funny, my husband and I were just saying that we missed the cabin on Huron Bay, and voila! your blog appeared. I am so happy to see how beautiful it remains up there, and that you”re still being blessed with lovely weather. Thanks for your well-timed message.
Shirley, don’t you love it when the Universe does that? I love serendipity. You would sure be loving being at your cabin this fall. The weather is unseasonably warm and lovely. It’s really enchanting. I suppose we’ll soon be hunkering down into winter but may the days not rush toward cool too quickly! Thanks for saying hi. P.S. This is my last month as township treasurer–hard to believe 32 years have passed this quickly. *smile*
Just loving you within your lovely Silence!
Fountainpen
Mary Lou “We men and women are all in the same boat upon a stormy sea. We owe to each other a terrible and tragic loyalty.” -G.K.Chesterton
Sent from my iPhone
Loving this! Thank you so much for understanding…
Dear Ms Lake Superior Spirit. Have to smile when you are smiling, enjoying the beauty of this fall and all that goes with this season; you’re contagious. You are a Superior treasure. 💖
I was sure smiling to see YOU this morning! Another Lake Superior treasure from Aura… 🙂
Kathy, oh Kathy, I am glad to know that you are ok and having an enjoyable time in your lovely home in the woods. I knew that you had lost your dad-from one of your posts. I hope your mom is doing well and I’m wishing for you to have a wonderful time with her.
I love old vehicles and that truck is a real winner. Soon winter will have arrived but you and Barry are always well prepared.
There are times in life we must change course and you need not apologize about not blogging. The pic of you and little chippy is just too cute.
I haven’t really blogged since my son’s ATV accident in January ( posted a couple of videos) and I haven’t even addressed about 12-15 comments from those two. Just no motivation although I have lots of pet info to post that would be educational. So I know the feeling of not wanting to blog.
Best regards, Yvonne
Yvonne, it’s nice to hear from you. I know what you mean about no motivation to blog. It’s so interesting when we feel that motivation, and also interesting when it wanes. I once read that the average person blogs for three years before quitting. Hope your son is continuing to recover and heal. What a challenge that must be. I have a good friend who had a severe brain injury so know a little bit about that. Best regards back and thank you for saying hello.
Lovely thing about the blogosphere is that it’s still here for you and you for it, as the spirit moves you! Always a pleasure to cross paths with your reflections …
Kat, Lake Superior Spirit is here until next April when I have to pay another $99 to renew it for a year. With this recent record of non-frequent blogging it’s probably not going to be worth it to renew. Although you never know! It’s so nice to see you.
It’s lovely to hear from you, especially as your absents as been a good one. Life sounds good for you long may that last. Bright blessings to you all and just in case Happy Yule Tide. 😀
Iom, thanks for stopping by. I guess maybe it’s important sometimes to say that an absence is good. Sometimes people disappear and it’s because they’re depressed or not doing well. All is well here and thank you for the bright blessings. Same to you!
Silence is under-rated! As I take in a beautiful sunset or a glorious display of fall colors, silence feels appropriate. We simply want to soak in that moment. So glad to hear that your life is filled with moments of sitting and soaking!
Debbie, part of me could surely be a monk of some sort. Soaking in beauty in the mystery of Presence is a gift indeed. However, there have been many moments of not-so-silent in the past months, as well. It’s just that on-line the silence seems most noticeable. xoxoxo
Can I look forward to some of the “lessons” or principles of those not-so-silent moments as inspiration for a blog post? We can learn from the silence and the chaos in our lives!
Debbie, that is such a good idea. We can learn so much and it would be good to share that. However, look how much trouble I have responding to a comment written over two weeks ago! Will keep this in mind, though, as it’s an inspiring idea. Thank you.
The beauty (and convenience) of blogging is that we can pick up the conversation at any point and continue it! We have to “live life” to be able to talk/blog about it. (Smiling!)
Blessed Samhain! 🙂
And also to you, Elisa! Hope you are well and shining and walking in the Tree Place some days.
Thanks for checking in. Keep following the call of the universe Kathy 💛
That call of the universe seems like the most important thing, Val. Just had a sudden desire to say hi yesterday. Blessings!
Great to hear from you. I too have gone off to other places in my writing will look for your return again. Have a good trip and love that picture with the chipmunk.
Barry took that chipmunk picture in September right before the little fellow disappeared for his annual hibernation or torpor or whatever chippies do. It will be interesting to see if he reappears next year. Thanks about the trip wishes. Take care!
Welcome back, Kathy. Once again I enjoyed reading your words and looking at your photos. I especially liked the one with the chipmunk.
And I know what you mean by words deserting us. The same thing happens with me. I have not been writing as many blog posts as I used to.
But I have published several new posts since you last blogged. You sound as if you are busy right now but if you get the chance you can read my newest posts at http://www.msmcword.wordpress.com.
I hope you enjoy your visit with your mother.
Nancy
Nancy, glad to hear you understand. Sometimes we can be so excited about writing blog posts…other times not as much. Thanks for the good wishes about visiting my mom. We should have a fun week down there in Florida. Many blessings.
Love the picture of you with that darling chipmunk!
Barbara, it seems Chippy has gone underground for the winter again. He disappeared in mid-September, same as last year. I don’t know why though, as it’s been the mildest most delightful autumn. Temp is in the mid-60’s today. Next time we see that crazy little fella I’ll tell him you liked the picture. 🙂
Glad you are soaking in the moments of your life and taking care of yourself, Miss Kathy.
How interesting that you called me Miss Kathy! You are the second person today to do so. Stopped by the post office and the guy working said, “Hello Miss Kathy!” So thank you Miss Lori. It feels like another moment of serendipity. Hope you are soaking in some moments of happiness in between election hullabaloo. (ha ha)
I usually put “Miss” or “Mr.” in front of a person’s name as a term of endearment to those I enjoy. 🙂 I’m having a beautiful fall season in our new town (moved to a different suburb in August). The weather has been perfect, and I’m so grateful.
Lovely to have a post from you, Kathy. I know you – you turn like the seasons and so does your blog. I know that. Hugs.
To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven
A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep
To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven
A time to build up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones, a time to gather stones together
To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven
A time of love, a time of hate
A time of war, a time of peace
A time you may embrace, a time to refrain from embracing
To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven
A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time for love, a time for hate
A time for peace, I swear it’s not too late
Songwriters: Pete Seeger
(Ha ha–love that song! Thanks for turning in and around here, Val.)
🙂 Yep!
Your silence speaks universal volumes. The silence of contentment and peace, the silence that makes it able for you to hear the spirit of the chipmunk and the woods, and of your friends who live throughout the world, hoping to hear that same silence.
Safe travels as you visit your mom. As always, I look forward to the time you break your peace to reward us with a vision from the Little House in the Big Woods. xo
Wow, I like the way the silence illuminates your words, Pamela. I also think it’s super funny that every time I say anything like “this is why I’m not writing anymore” the Universe then turns it all around and the next thing you know a person is writing! I’m suspicious this is what karma really means. We make a pronouncement and the Universe turns it around so we can see the other side is equally as true. Do you think? Anyway, good to hear from you!
Karmic Kidding – makes us aware that it’s all circular and constantly moving. No sides, no up and down, just around. xo
Exactly!
Just love reading you. Volume doesn’t matter. Knowing you are alive and well and happy does. Like something really tasty, just a bit is all that is needed to satisfy. After that, it is just more. Happy Autumn and the quiet it brings. Already it is quieter here. Fewer insects, fewer birds, less jungle. Life is good.
What an interesting way to view it, Deb–thank you! Just fascinated thinking about different perspectives today. Had to wait in line to vote–that hardly ever happens. I wore my new “taxes with a smile” sweatshirt and talked with lots of people. And, for some strange reason, voting was easy. Had already mostly decided (except for the endless university Board of Regents) so voted quickly. Hope your voting experience was well. And now, we shall see what the Universe has in store for us next…
So good to hear from you! I certainly appreciate the time and effort it takes to keep up with everyone’s blogs. I’m struggling with that as well. Still blogging, but I’m not passionate the way I was when I started. We’ll see where the universe takes us all!
That Universe is tricky because it’s hard to figure out what it’s going to do next. You can think one thing…and do another. Interesting to hear you’re struggling to blog, too. Guess we’re in this together. (Except maybe you’re sticking with it a little bit more.) Thanks for stopping by to say hello.
See? Sometimes the silence can be expressed. I was just thinking about you – I’ve not been in cyberspace much myself lately and am happy to be here with your words. ♡
You know, Miss Stacy, you are so right. Silence can be expressed at times. I am so often amazed when there’s nothing to say (absolutely nothing at all and one is convinced) and you sit down and start typing an essay or novel or something. Which goes to show we can’t always trust the reliability of our thoughts. Kinda like political candidates. lol! Oops, shouldn’t be laughing on election day, sure to get someone riled up. Nice to see you!
Dear Kathy,
Oh my gosh it would happen that your blog post would arrive while we had no internet! It was shut down since Saturday evening. With no tv either, it has been so silent down here in the basement where I spend most of my time. No music (the old trusty boombox quit working as well), no movies on netflix, no video games, not even regular tv since the tv broke too and no computer. It’s been like living in the olden days. lol
But now that the internet is back, I was treated by your words! Sure sounds like you’ve had a very enjoyable fall so far! I’m so happy for you. Please give your beautiful Mom a warm Happy Birthday hug from me when you go to visit her.
I hope to see my Dad this weekend (to celebrate his 79th birthday). Sadly, things with my Dad have been rather distant lately—he’s still holding a grudge against my oldest son. I am praying for a peaceful and happy visit though.
Once again, thank you for sharing snippets of your life and the photos as well. I love your red truck! I’ve missed you, Kathy! ❤ xoxo
Brenda, it sounds like you also know a lot about silence! I’ve learned that sometimes it can be boring, stultifying and lonely…and that there is also a way that we can realize that silence is rich and alive and filled with God. I hope your silence was more of the latter than the former. Thanks for your kind words. Can’t wait to see Mom! Maybe it will be possible to get a nice picture of her for her birthday. We’ll see if that works out. Happy Birthday to your dad! May the day be sweet and forgiving and filled with hope. Thanks for stopping by here & on Facebook. xoxoxoxo
So good to hear from you, Kathy. My blog, too, has been on hiatus lately but I’ve learned that blogging can wait. Enjoy yourself and life’s little treasures.
Carol, how nice to hear from you, as well. So you’re still on blogging break as well? It can be such a good time when we blog…and equally good when we’re immersed in life’s other treasures. I like how you put that!
Just found this blog post dear Kathy as I myself have been so sadly absent from the blogging world. The universe has also been beckoning me elsewhere. Glad to hear that life is going well for you, and I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving.
Karma, I smiled as wide as a Thanksgiving turkey when your comment came in the other morning. How nice to see you! I do remember how many precious exchanges and sharing and friendship we all created on line. I puzzle about how to maintain these blogging friendships when blogging eases or disappears. But a good friend reminded me at lunch on Friday: some of our friendships stay with us always. A memory will arise and there that person will be like no time ever passed. My heart felt like that when I saw your comment. Happy Thanksgiving ot you as well.
A lovely post, Kathy. Sometimes silence just feels so good! Glad you’re visiting with your Mom frequently. My friend with the cottage in Eagle Harbor is trying to sell – she has an offer. It’s snowing here (finally). I tried to walk this morning but ended up slip-sliding, so I came home by the fire. Take care of yourself (and Barry).
Barb, I am hoping your friend is able to sell her place up in Eagle Harbor. As for snow…gosh, it’s come our way here, as well. But probably not as much as you’ve had already! My brother is already planning to head out your way a few times this winter.
Sounds like you are having a lovely (and productive) fall! (When one can achieve both of those it is amazing!) Enjoy the rest of your holidays and you visit with your mom!
Happy holidays to you as well, Inger! I hope all is well with your family and that you’re creating and sharing your wonderful recipes….
It’s indeed a small world. When I started following your blog I lived in California, but now I live in Fort Myers. It’s interesting how paths can cross! Hope you enjoy the beautiful days here!
Laura, it is so interesting indeed!! If you are living on Fort Myers Beach, I will surely track you down one of these trips. Or are you up in Fort Myers Proper, where we rarely venture? P.S. My son and his wife are moving from California to New Jersey soon. What an ever-changing world this is!
We are not on the beach, unfortunately. But we go there on occasion – not enough in my book! But if you’re around, I’d be glad for the excuse to run down to the beach!!