19 Comments

What a moving invitation to enter into on this Saturday morning. I journeyed with you through some of those familiar places. Yet mine has had other twists and turns. I only now, almost 80, can identify with the sacred space of stillness. Has it taken me that long to get there? Thank you for bringing to my awareness with words that path I journey in every deeper ways.

Expand full comment

I love that you can recognize and seek out the quiet. I drown in the noise. Thank you for a little pause with your words and Ryan's music.

Expand full comment

A dicho from southern Colorado/Northern New Mexico:

"Con los anos vienen los desenganos."

Roughly, "With the years I see more clearly."

Expand full comment

What a powerful post. Thank you!

Expand full comment

The cobweb is a great metaphor. Life is fragile but resilient. What a beautiful blend of text and music.

Expand full comment

So beautifully constructed. For whatever reason, when I was done reading it seemed as if a silk fabric had been woven, words and music intertwined. I listened while reading.

Expand full comment

What a moving way of putting it. Thank you, Peter, so much.

Expand full comment

When I grow up, I hope to be able to paint like you have done with this piece, this elegy of acceptance, just did for me. I continue to try better my brush strokes, nonetheless. Winter is coming.

And, thank you.

Expand full comment

“Elegy of acceptance” Yes. That brush stroke of yours is absolutely perfect. Thank you~

Expand full comment

A welcome pondering in the midst of the raging machine.

Expand full comment

This piece was absolutely breathtaking and reminded me once again why you are one of my favorite writers to walk the Earth. What an honor to know you and love you and what an honor to be able to picture every single thing you drew with words. I hope to come back to that valley as soon as possible. In the meantime, I am sending you all the love and resonance.

Expand full comment

Thank you, Nicole, for these beautiful, articulate words that touched my heart. This is certainly my personal favorite of all of your essays in Shrine of the Real. It is particularly special to me because, as you know, I live (at least part of every year) between those same two mountain ranges in the wonderful Wet Mountain Valley. I appreciate those silent trails, just like you and Paul. It is an honor to know you both and to share so much of these same perspectives and ambitions.

Expand full comment

We are all dancing in the Dragon's mouth.

Expand full comment

Amen.

Expand full comment

My sister, Courtney, shared this with me. And your writing made me feel all the way to my bones this morning. Thank you. Feeling so much of this in my own ways.

Expand full comment

It's always a relief to learn I'm not the only one.

Expand full comment

How deeply moving are your words, dearest Nicole! Thank you for painting a picture with words that speaks intimately to my very heart.

Expand full comment

Thank you, Nicole.

Expand full comment

Beautiful, Nicole. ❤️

Expand full comment