Very often when I read you, I start to cry and laugh almost at the same time. You are the only author I know who has this effect on me. And what’s great is that these tears and laughter always have a healing effect. I remember sobbing over the introduction of “Women who run…” and taking the decision to do something creative for the first time in many many years – that was the beginning of a totally new approach to my life. Now I’m crying again, and it feels good.

I have adopted you as one of my favourite elders, and I’m sure you have a home in many hearts around the World.

Bless you for all your gifts to us )

Reading your heart warming piece, stirred a lump in my throat. Most of my family is scattered and I live far away, living an expats life in Denmark where Thanksgiving has not yet been adopted as a Danish holiday (halloween Yes).

You inspired me to work on a Christmas card about my mother for the family. Seen from one angle she has been a very narcissistic, very demanding, manipulative, woman, but she has other sides:

Never the crone, but wily, laughing
like an idiot cast out by her Queen.
The bright red Santa hat sits
upon her head like it belongs there
year round.
The wrinkles in her ancient face
lead to a playground in her mind
She may never have outgrown.
Look past the darkness encircling
her eyes and the light smiles through…
and in her
Breast the fire burns on
and on in dream and fantasy.
Though she is beset with fear
for all that dwindles, the tedium
of waning years, A genuine child
still peers at us; Her heart fluttering
with impatience, still remembering
the places, the names, and the moments
though now recalled in glances,
in essences, there and not there,
looming nearby…familiar…departing.
Her gift, the one she staked her life upon,
to trifle in capers, her love of pretend.
There in the most unexpected places,
the most rigid and serious rooms of life –
Resist, if you dare, her desire
her invitation to play.

All the best and Happy thanksgiving, indeed.

Thanks.

You really gave us a treat with this heartfelt text! Looking foward to read the forecoming book of yours about the Dangerous Old Woman!

As for your doubts about being an elder, I think a long time ago you qualified for becoming a sacred elder not because of age but because of the qualities they show shine in the depth of their hearts…but if you want to practice… you can adopt me!

Con mucho amor

Barbara
http://www.monjeslocos.com

Happy Thanksgiving and Feast Day of St. Cecilia, patron saint of poets and musicians.