Thank you, Phoenix. Your writing is both a provocation to consider, and a prompt to notice beautiful things anew. A tiny, beautiful thing right now, here, is a ticking, wind-up clock. It reminds me of times with my grandmother; she had a safe place, and a beautiful garden.
What a sweet gift, Heather, to be given this image of your tiny beautiful thing - this clock that reminds you of safety and your grandmother and her garden. Thank you for sharing. I'm grateful you have this reminder <3
Thank you for the wonderful reminder of the beauty in the world and in our lives in the form of our loved ones. I am so proud to be a part of this community in which I get the opportunity to read the love of others that they have manifested through their words. Thank you so much ❤️
Being part of this community of love is such a beautiful (and perhaps not so tiny) thing - I wholeheartedly agree, Cieran. And I'm so grateful with you for this, and that you are finding goodness here. I hope that continues for a good long time. xx
You are beautiful. I actually think there are more lovers than haters in this world, especially if we continue to send it out toward others. Grow your garden and they will come.
Thank you, Sharon. And I think you're right - there are many lovers. I've been seeing firsthand how the people who need to find us will come when we focus on growing what we want to see more of in the world.
You know what? I genuinely thought better of you, and now I know what side you're on. And damn, the betrayal is big. I mean........ squirrels? For real? They're terrible creatures! They pillage my corn and sunflowers, they take huge toothy bites out of my beautiful pumpkins, they taunt the dog, they ruin the peas. They're barely part of nature. Have you seen their faces up close?? A mockery of wildlife they are!!
Bah humbug to the squirrels!
Signed, a transexual menace farmer.
(So happy for you getting to be at that rally by the way! Envious even!)
Oh boy, Robin. Have we found our dealbreaker (do we have one)? When I was farming in Vermont, I learned something valuable there: I am a horrible farmer, because I cared more for the insects and "pests" than I did the food we lost to them. I was always saving voles from the jaws of the farm dog, delighting in the bear who tramped through the melons sampling each one, plucking caterpillars out of harm's way and relocating them, marveling at the many, many beetles. And yes, I proudly and happily feed my squirrel family (even as they insist on hanging upside down by a toe to eat from the bird feeders). It's a dream of mine, one day, to build a little hut for the groundhog family I hope will take residence on the land we're also living, and I know what menaces they can be to gardens. I'm a lost cause, I'm afraid! But I do hope we can still be friends.
Last year I watched a grey squirrel hang by his back feet from a towering giant sunflower. He munched on sunflower seeds whilst hanging upside down, then did a crossfit-worthy curl, plucked another seed, and continued feasting. I must be honest, I'm envious of his physical prowess. So I threw my pruning shears at him. Oh come on, it's not like I have any aim when I throw. He was fine.
My hazelnut trees end up loaded with nuts by late August or early September. We know when the nuts are ripe based on the rave the squirrels have in the upper branches. Sometimes they're so destructive the entire tree shakes with their partying!!
They dig up my bulbs.
They take ONE BITE out of the apples and then wander off to taste a different one. Wasteful little twerps...
They eat the ends off the bush beans. Just the ends.
Here's the deal--I'm happy to share with all the critters. Yes, all of them. We all need to eat, and it's their garden, too. But can't we work together? Why the asshole nibbling behavior? They could have so much more to enjoy if they just trusted me!! But no, they're like the frat boys of the garden. They make the bunnies look good.
You sound like somebody who understands those little fuzzbutts better than I do. Maybe you could come over and... mediate?
Well, that is admittedly really asshole nibbling behavior. To be honest, when I was in Seattle, I remember visiting the Ballard Locks often and learning about the asshole nibbling behavior of the seals, who would take a bite out of the salmon - only one bite! - and leave them. It made me really angry. So, I get it. I wish they weren't so wasteful. I'd be happy to hop a plane and come attempt to mediate...
You started talking about the Locks, and I really thought you were going to mention the geese and all the poop and how our shoes will never be the same. But yes, the seals are jerks, too. Fresh salmon? And you take one bite??
Ecologically speaking, there's probably some intricately connected food web with partially munched snacks becoming an open invitation to microbes and bugs, and then that sustains some polyculture of lichens and worms, and it would be fascinating if I wasn't really counting on those delicious plums for a plum torte! Have you had plum torte?? Lemme tell you, it's important.
And... I feel better already. We can't let those little rodents come between us and our friendship.
Lol, yes, there are many ways I could have taken that mention of the Locks. The heron rookery in the spring is fantastically gross, and oh how I loved it. But you’re probably onto something (of course you are) with the intricately connected food web and all that sciencey naturey magic. Nothing really goes to waste in nature, does it? Well, except plums whose purpose really IS for torte (don’t they know that?). Sigh. I do feel better, too. We’re all good here, Sib. xx
Phoenix — your writing is so beautiful, not only in its meaning but in the language itself, your choice of words, the life you are building with your love. Don’t worry about the character of your legacy, whether or not it’s big enough. Relax — your words have already affected many people in the good ways you’ve intended. You made your contact with history at Stonewall into something personal, magical. Keep carving your warren into a warm place for the two of you, illuminated by your own light.
So much of this resonates, the back and forth of numbness and grief, the way the grief seems to make room for the sense of so much small but deep beauty in this deeply troubled world. So much both/and. The horrors and yet, the love, the connection. 💜
Oh, so true, Adrian. There is a whole lot of both/and here, and it can be challenging and expansive to hold space for the spectrum in between. Thanks for the thoughtful resonance <3
Oh, this tiny little phrase lodged in me. That's what's been so missing in my days these recent months. That tiny rush of worship, I was so accustomed to appearing unbidden throughout the day. The brilliance feedback of attention to the tiniest things. And it's so true, although I was mad at Trump and the world and capitalism and the patriarchy and my dumb job and everything else for stripping my life of all those moments - they are ALWAYS right there. And it's the act of cultivating attention that brings them back to me.
When I teach writing, I almost always end up either starting with (or winding my way back to, or both) Mary Oliver's "Instructions For Living A Life"
1. Pay attention
2. Be astonished
3. Tell me about it
I've not yet found, despite much searching, any better set of instructions for living (or writing) a life or for finding ourselves inside that 'rush of worship' that reminds us we are alive.
Oh, Mary Oliver. Leave it to her to offer truth in the barest words, capable of conjuring the richest life. Somehow I have never read these instructions, but I wholeheartedly agree that there might not be any better than this. I love how "a rush of worship" brought them to back to mind, and I see why. I'm with you in the practice of bringing yourself back to attention...which leads to worship. It is one thing that cannot be taken away. I'm trying to remember this. I'm so grateful for your words here.
Thank you for Tiny Beautiful Things!!! So happy that you found tears and joy! Tiny beautiful thing are so important to us rooted in joy. They can try to steal everything from us but they cannot and will not steal our joy, love, and light.
How true this is, MacFinnian. It can be hard to hold onto this in the darkest of times, but it is a comfort to know that no one can rob us of these things.
In June, I started recording one ok thing each day, after a podcast I listened to did 30 Days of OK in April (but I failed miserably because April is the month in 2021 we lost our daughter to suicide and April is always hard). Plus, I had to find a way that worked for me - writing it on paper wasn't working, because that meant I always had to have the list with me. So, when they did it again in June, I decided to use an app on my phone. Each morning, I think of one ok thing that happened the day before and write it down. The other thing I learned was that it didn't have to be an awesome amazing thing in order to count! So sometimes, it was "my stomach didn't hurt as much today as it did yesterday". Other times it's "Watching Stargate SG-1 with my daughter" or "My kitty snuggled with me". It helps to be aware of the ok things, instead of just all the awful things. So I've got something for each day since June 1, 2024, and it's nice to go back and look at the ok things in my life. I think maybe today's thing will be reading this post. <3
This is such an important point, Georgi. OK things are so valuable, too - especially during times it just feels like too much to notice the "tiny beautiful" things. The last thing we need is pressure for things to be amazing. I think it takes even more awareness and practice to be aware of things that are OK. These are the building blocks of so much of our days. You inspire me, and I'm so grateful for your perspective.
Thank you, Phoenix. Once again you brought tears to my eyes and I promise that I will not forget your story... I see you, love you, and am honored to be one of your allies.
And now, dear Phoenix, you have brought tears to my eyes - a sure sign my heart is alive and well and loving something I’ve read, or seen, or hugged. Thank you.
Thank you, Phoenix. Your writing is both a provocation to consider, and a prompt to notice beautiful things anew. A tiny, beautiful thing right now, here, is a ticking, wind-up clock. It reminds me of times with my grandmother; she had a safe place, and a beautiful garden.
What a sweet gift, Heather, to be given this image of your tiny beautiful thing - this clock that reminds you of safety and your grandmother and her garden. Thank you for sharing. I'm grateful you have this reminder <3
Thank you for the wonderful reminder of the beauty in the world and in our lives in the form of our loved ones. I am so proud to be a part of this community in which I get the opportunity to read the love of others that they have manifested through their words. Thank you so much ❤️
Being part of this community of love is such a beautiful (and perhaps not so tiny) thing - I wholeheartedly agree, Cieran. And I'm so grateful with you for this, and that you are finding goodness here. I hope that continues for a good long time. xx
You are beautiful. I actually think there are more lovers than haters in this world, especially if we continue to send it out toward others. Grow your garden and they will come.
Thank you, Sharon. And I think you're right - there are many lovers. I've been seeing firsthand how the people who need to find us will come when we focus on growing what we want to see more of in the world.
You know what? I genuinely thought better of you, and now I know what side you're on. And damn, the betrayal is big. I mean........ squirrels? For real? They're terrible creatures! They pillage my corn and sunflowers, they take huge toothy bites out of my beautiful pumpkins, they taunt the dog, they ruin the peas. They're barely part of nature. Have you seen their faces up close?? A mockery of wildlife they are!!
Bah humbug to the squirrels!
Signed, a transexual menace farmer.
(So happy for you getting to be at that rally by the way! Envious even!)
Oh boy, Robin. Have we found our dealbreaker (do we have one)? When I was farming in Vermont, I learned something valuable there: I am a horrible farmer, because I cared more for the insects and "pests" than I did the food we lost to them. I was always saving voles from the jaws of the farm dog, delighting in the bear who tramped through the melons sampling each one, plucking caterpillars out of harm's way and relocating them, marveling at the many, many beetles. And yes, I proudly and happily feed my squirrel family (even as they insist on hanging upside down by a toe to eat from the bird feeders). It's a dream of mine, one day, to build a little hut for the groundhog family I hope will take residence on the land we're also living, and I know what menaces they can be to gardens. I'm a lost cause, I'm afraid! But I do hope we can still be friends.
I still love you.
Signed, a transexual menace squirrel lover.
Last year I watched a grey squirrel hang by his back feet from a towering giant sunflower. He munched on sunflower seeds whilst hanging upside down, then did a crossfit-worthy curl, plucked another seed, and continued feasting. I must be honest, I'm envious of his physical prowess. So I threw my pruning shears at him. Oh come on, it's not like I have any aim when I throw. He was fine.
My hazelnut trees end up loaded with nuts by late August or early September. We know when the nuts are ripe based on the rave the squirrels have in the upper branches. Sometimes they're so destructive the entire tree shakes with their partying!!
They dig up my bulbs.
They take ONE BITE out of the apples and then wander off to taste a different one. Wasteful little twerps...
They eat the ends off the bush beans. Just the ends.
Here's the deal--I'm happy to share with all the critters. Yes, all of them. We all need to eat, and it's their garden, too. But can't we work together? Why the asshole nibbling behavior? They could have so much more to enjoy if they just trusted me!! But no, they're like the frat boys of the garden. They make the bunnies look good.
You sound like somebody who understands those little fuzzbutts better than I do. Maybe you could come over and... mediate?
Well, that is admittedly really asshole nibbling behavior. To be honest, when I was in Seattle, I remember visiting the Ballard Locks often and learning about the asshole nibbling behavior of the seals, who would take a bite out of the salmon - only one bite! - and leave them. It made me really angry. So, I get it. I wish they weren't so wasteful. I'd be happy to hop a plane and come attempt to mediate...
You started talking about the Locks, and I really thought you were going to mention the geese and all the poop and how our shoes will never be the same. But yes, the seals are jerks, too. Fresh salmon? And you take one bite??
Ecologically speaking, there's probably some intricately connected food web with partially munched snacks becoming an open invitation to microbes and bugs, and then that sustains some polyculture of lichens and worms, and it would be fascinating if I wasn't really counting on those delicious plums for a plum torte! Have you had plum torte?? Lemme tell you, it's important.
And... I feel better already. We can't let those little rodents come between us and our friendship.
Lol, yes, there are many ways I could have taken that mention of the Locks. The heron rookery in the spring is fantastically gross, and oh how I loved it. But you’re probably onto something (of course you are) with the intricately connected food web and all that sciencey naturey magic. Nothing really goes to waste in nature, does it? Well, except plums whose purpose really IS for torte (don’t they know that?). Sigh. I do feel better, too. We’re all good here, Sib. xx
You are a Beautiful Earthling, Phoenix...🙏🏻🌌
Sending you and all yours, love from from London 💕🦋
Phoenix — your writing is so beautiful, not only in its meaning but in the language itself, your choice of words, the life you are building with your love. Don’t worry about the character of your legacy, whether or not it’s big enough. Relax — your words have already affected many people in the good ways you’ve intended. You made your contact with history at Stonewall into something personal, magical. Keep carving your warren into a warm place for the two of you, illuminated by your own light.
Ed... It's hard to find beautiful words in light of what you wrote here. You touch me deeply. I just want you to know that. Thank you for this gift.
Your writing touches my heart and inspires remembrance of the tiny beautiful things that populate my own secret garden. Thank you.
Oh how I love this - your own secret garden... May it continue to bloom and spread and thrive, Lexie.
So much of this resonates, the back and forth of numbness and grief, the way the grief seems to make room for the sense of so much small but deep beauty in this deeply troubled world. So much both/and. The horrors and yet, the love, the connection. 💜
Oh, so true, Adrian. There is a whole lot of both/and here, and it can be challenging and expansive to hold space for the spectrum in between. Thanks for the thoughtful resonance <3
"a rush of worship"
Oh, this tiny little phrase lodged in me. That's what's been so missing in my days these recent months. That tiny rush of worship, I was so accustomed to appearing unbidden throughout the day. The brilliance feedback of attention to the tiniest things. And it's so true, although I was mad at Trump and the world and capitalism and the patriarchy and my dumb job and everything else for stripping my life of all those moments - they are ALWAYS right there. And it's the act of cultivating attention that brings them back to me.
When I teach writing, I almost always end up either starting with (or winding my way back to, or both) Mary Oliver's "Instructions For Living A Life"
1. Pay attention
2. Be astonished
3. Tell me about it
I've not yet found, despite much searching, any better set of instructions for living (or writing) a life or for finding ourselves inside that 'rush of worship' that reminds us we are alive.
Oh, Mary Oliver. Leave it to her to offer truth in the barest words, capable of conjuring the richest life. Somehow I have never read these instructions, but I wholeheartedly agree that there might not be any better than this. I love how "a rush of worship" brought them to back to mind, and I see why. I'm with you in the practice of bringing yourself back to attention...which leads to worship. It is one thing that cannot be taken away. I'm trying to remember this. I'm so grateful for your words here.
Ah Phoenix- keep on menacing the world with your gorgeous words 💜😎💜
This made me smile, Jae. I'll do my best - and thank you so much :D
This makes me think of the song Tiny Things by the band Tiny Habits!
🥹💕😘
Just gorgeous, Phoenix. My heart feels full after reading these words. Thank you 💖✨
My darling. I love helping to fill your heart. Thank you for being. <3
Thank you for Tiny Beautiful Things!!! So happy that you found tears and joy! Tiny beautiful thing are so important to us rooted in joy. They can try to steal everything from us but they cannot and will not steal our joy, love, and light.
How true this is, MacFinnian. It can be hard to hold onto this in the darkest of times, but it is a comfort to know that no one can rob us of these things.
In June, I started recording one ok thing each day, after a podcast I listened to did 30 Days of OK in April (but I failed miserably because April is the month in 2021 we lost our daughter to suicide and April is always hard). Plus, I had to find a way that worked for me - writing it on paper wasn't working, because that meant I always had to have the list with me. So, when they did it again in June, I decided to use an app on my phone. Each morning, I think of one ok thing that happened the day before and write it down. The other thing I learned was that it didn't have to be an awesome amazing thing in order to count! So sometimes, it was "my stomach didn't hurt as much today as it did yesterday". Other times it's "Watching Stargate SG-1 with my daughter" or "My kitty snuggled with me". It helps to be aware of the ok things, instead of just all the awful things. So I've got something for each day since June 1, 2024, and it's nice to go back and look at the ok things in my life. I think maybe today's thing will be reading this post. <3
This is such an important point, Georgi. OK things are so valuable, too - especially during times it just feels like too much to notice the "tiny beautiful" things. The last thing we need is pressure for things to be amazing. I think it takes even more awareness and practice to be aware of things that are OK. These are the building blocks of so much of our days. You inspire me, and I'm so grateful for your perspective.
Thank you, Phoenix. Once again you brought tears to my eyes and I promise that I will not forget your story... I see you, love you, and am honored to be one of your allies.
Michael, I feel honored and grateful to have you as an ally. Thank you for such kindness and love.
And now, dear Phoenix, you have brought tears to my eyes - a sure sign my heart is alive and well and loving something I’ve read, or seen, or hugged. Thank you.
Ohhh, Jena, it is a joy to know this post landed as a sign of aliveness in your heart. Thank you for letting me know. Hugging you.
(((Phoenix)))