Kendall, thanks for such a creative and uplifting post. As I’m new to your writing and artistry, I’m at least certain I need to remain aware of your future posts. The effect of the recent election is perfectly described as a “rip tide.” Many were/are unfamiliar with them until it’s too late. Such was 11/5/24. As I know no prophets currently available for consultation, I look and listen to like minded people here on Substack. Sewing a quilt with swatches of cloth bearing details for a survival strategy would reflect the skills of my mother and her mother. And provide warmth. Almost like a hug. Your precious daughter’s wanting to perform a new skill perfectly, on the first attempt, reminds me of myself. And what a set up for frustration. I admire how you broke the meltdown into manageable sections. Snacks are invariably a good starting point. A masterful solution. And the resulting dragon was top drawer! I’ll stay tuned in!
Welcome, Gary! I'm so happy that you found your way here. As the daughter and granddaughter of quilters, and as a quilter myself, I love the imagery of the swatches and the hug of the fabric- that's so beautiful. And as I also am lacking in prophetic wisdom to turn to, I am also finding amazing insight in the words of fellow writers here on Substack- I think we're all walking each other home. (And I'll let my daughter know her dragon picture was top drawer!)
Kendall, your story resonates deeply with me. I can almost feel that moment in the riptide, where pushing harder only creates more fear. And seeing your daughter’s frustration brings back the same feeling of trying so hard to get things just right, only to feel pulled under by the effort.
Your way of gently shifting the focus—of finding grounding in a snack, a hug, a creative outlet—is such a powerful reminder that we don’t have to struggle against every current. There’s something freeing in the idea of moving with the waves, letting small moments of joy and presence guide us back to shore. Thank you for sharing this—it’s a perspective I feel grateful to take with me. And Kendall, in my eye that daughter of your has real talent. What a wonderful dragon.
I love this comment so much. Yes, we really don't need to struggle against every current, though it is so hard to remember that when it feels like there are just so many. But we know so well that love guides us back home, don't we? Trusting in that is my top priority right now, and knowing that I am in such good company helps immensely. Let's keep reminding each other, shall we? xoxo (And I see the talent, too- the dragon is pretty magical!)
Kendall, thank you—your words feel like a warm embrace. Trusting that love will guide us home, even when the currents feel endless, is such a grounding reminder. Yes, let’s keep holding this space for each other, lifting each other up when the waters get rough. And that dragon’s magic shines brighter with every shared moment. xoxo
I have been hearing about and reading about rip tides lately, and what a perfect metaphor for these seasons we are finding ourselves in. I too was caught in one on Cape Cod, and knew, as my dad was a Navy man, what to do. As I swam alongside it, I was carried back to shore. 🌊Acutely aware that this was the only way to conserve my energy, and find my way back. Your creative suggestions are spot on! Thank you! Oh, Finley’s drawing is AMAZING! She really captured it. Aren’t most things more doable after a snack and a rest?! Lots of love dear friend. Xo💜
I love that your dad's wisdom resonated right when you needed it- that's amazing! Thanks for mirroring that experience right back to me, Joanie. And yes- I am always amazed how much more manageable the world becomes when I am fed. ;) I'll let Finley know her drawing was a hit!
Joanie, I love the connection you made to your own riptide experience on Cape Cod—it’s powerful to see how conserving energy and moving with the flow applies to life, too. And yes, so many things are easier after a snack and a rest! Thanks for sharing this, and sending love! 💜
Your words cast a spell on my every time, in the best way. I’m transported. What an impeccable way to put it: rip tides are an inside job. & your gentle parenting?! I know you will say you are the lucky one, but Mama, she too, is the luckiest to have you. The dragon needs to be framed. I love everything about this.
Oh yes, she really nailed it! And so did you, this is the absolute best advice for the moment. I felt so much better after I wrote my feelings down and made something coherent and beautiful out of them, instead of just sitting in sadness and anger and letting it wash over me.
I love that her dragon has a beard :) And also, thank you for every word of this. I <3 you!!
The beard really does add something! Love you, friend. xoxo
Kendall, thanks for such a creative and uplifting post. As I’m new to your writing and artistry, I’m at least certain I need to remain aware of your future posts. The effect of the recent election is perfectly described as a “rip tide.” Many were/are unfamiliar with them until it’s too late. Such was 11/5/24. As I know no prophets currently available for consultation, I look and listen to like minded people here on Substack. Sewing a quilt with swatches of cloth bearing details for a survival strategy would reflect the skills of my mother and her mother. And provide warmth. Almost like a hug. Your precious daughter’s wanting to perform a new skill perfectly, on the first attempt, reminds me of myself. And what a set up for frustration. I admire how you broke the meltdown into manageable sections. Snacks are invariably a good starting point. A masterful solution. And the resulting dragon was top drawer! I’ll stay tuned in!
Welcome, Gary! I'm so happy that you found your way here. As the daughter and granddaughter of quilters, and as a quilter myself, I love the imagery of the swatches and the hug of the fabric- that's so beautiful. And as I also am lacking in prophetic wisdom to turn to, I am also finding amazing insight in the words of fellow writers here on Substack- I think we're all walking each other home. (And I'll let my daughter know her dragon picture was top drawer!)
Hurrah to fellow writers, you included!
One of my favorite children's books (for the illustrations) was The Quiltmaker's Gift!
I'm putting down my phone and grabbing my paint brush..
Yes! Paint it out! xoxo
Kendall, your story resonates deeply with me. I can almost feel that moment in the riptide, where pushing harder only creates more fear. And seeing your daughter’s frustration brings back the same feeling of trying so hard to get things just right, only to feel pulled under by the effort.
Your way of gently shifting the focus—of finding grounding in a snack, a hug, a creative outlet—is such a powerful reminder that we don’t have to struggle against every current. There’s something freeing in the idea of moving with the waves, letting small moments of joy and presence guide us back to shore. Thank you for sharing this—it’s a perspective I feel grateful to take with me. And Kendall, in my eye that daughter of your has real talent. What a wonderful dragon.
I love this comment so much. Yes, we really don't need to struggle against every current, though it is so hard to remember that when it feels like there are just so many. But we know so well that love guides us back home, don't we? Trusting in that is my top priority right now, and knowing that I am in such good company helps immensely. Let's keep reminding each other, shall we? xoxo (And I see the talent, too- the dragon is pretty magical!)
Kendall, thank you—your words feel like a warm embrace. Trusting that love will guide us home, even when the currents feel endless, is such a grounding reminder. Yes, let’s keep holding this space for each other, lifting each other up when the waters get rough. And that dragon’s magic shines brighter with every shared moment. xoxo
I have been hearing about and reading about rip tides lately, and what a perfect metaphor for these seasons we are finding ourselves in. I too was caught in one on Cape Cod, and knew, as my dad was a Navy man, what to do. As I swam alongside it, I was carried back to shore. 🌊Acutely aware that this was the only way to conserve my energy, and find my way back. Your creative suggestions are spot on! Thank you! Oh, Finley’s drawing is AMAZING! She really captured it. Aren’t most things more doable after a snack and a rest?! Lots of love dear friend. Xo💜
I love that your dad's wisdom resonated right when you needed it- that's amazing! Thanks for mirroring that experience right back to me, Joanie. And yes- I am always amazed how much more manageable the world becomes when I am fed. ;) I'll let Finley know her drawing was a hit!
Joanie, I love the connection you made to your own riptide experience on Cape Cod—it’s powerful to see how conserving energy and moving with the flow applies to life, too. And yes, so many things are easier after a snack and a rest! Thanks for sharing this, and sending love! 💜
Love this!
Thank you!
Yes, she nailed it beautifully! And so did you! ❤
Thank you, Nancy! ❤️❤️❤️
Your words cast a spell on my every time, in the best way. I’m transported. What an impeccable way to put it: rip tides are an inside job. & your gentle parenting?! I know you will say you are the lucky one, but Mama, she too, is the luckiest to have you. The dragon needs to be framed. I love everything about this.
Thank you, K! 🥹 This comment has cast a spell on ME!
That is the most AMAZING dragon! Great writing, as usual, Kendall. I needed this thought today.
Oh yes, she really nailed it! And so did you, this is the absolute best advice for the moment. I felt so much better after I wrote my feelings down and made something coherent and beautiful out of them, instead of just sitting in sadness and anger and letting it wash over me.
Yes, she did nail it ❤️