Thanks for telling me when you teared up- and that you did. I've had enough distance from this one that I went and read it again, which is always so interesting, isn't it? Do you ever read things you've written and think, "Wow. That came out of me." I think this is the magic of writing.... we feel like we've done it, of course, and also like something else was doing it with us, just enough to be a little moved ourselves (is that cringey? I don't know.) Anyway, thank you for that this morning.
Your empathetic soul... oh Kendall, how to deal with the bad people of this world when we are faced with them? How to speak at all...? It is not always easy to remain silent but I do believe sometimes to do so speaks far more than words. Another beautiful essay, I think I may have loved Hannes too. x
I appreciate this so much, Susie. How do we deal with them?? I think we keep our hearts soft and our spines straight and fumble our way forward from there. xoxo
I just can't get enough from these memoir chapters! I found you a few weeks ago and now I find myself impatient for the next letter in my mailbox. I recognise so much of myself in you and I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who travels back in time to unleash rage or reason onto ignorant fools. Your writing is pure joy Kendall. Thank you! ps: sorry about your sweater! And I hope Hannes found happiness with his new partner. <3
Oh my goodness, I'm so glad you're here, Vic! You are most certainly in good company traveling back in time to "unleash rage or reason onto ignorant fools" (I love that so much). And no, Hannes did not end up with the lovely woman who made the rusks, but he did end up moving to Australia to be with his kids and grandkids, and he is absolutely thriving there. ✨❤ (So kind of you to wonder!)
Experiencing this level of hatred and ignorance is so hard. And confronting it, in the moment, seems nearly impossible. I envy those who can masterfully “aikido” the energy so it boomerangs back to the attacker. Kendall, your gracious, loving heart is palpable in every single one of your chapters, whether you’re engaging with whales, or hippos or humans. And it seems like many times, you’re a magnet for all the goodness you offer this world. So it’s probably extra jarring when someone rotten lands in your path. While maybe you didn’t have the perfect verbal comeback in the moment, your magnanimous spirit no doubt ripples outwards into all life, and I’d like to think that has an impact, even when we can’t see the immediate results. ❤️
Wow, this made me tear up this morning, Kimberly. Thank you for the profound generosity of this comment! I hope that all of this is true, the rippling and the magnetism. I know that somehow I have found myself here, among kind and kindred souls, and that is something magic indeed. So much love to you, friend. ❤
Beautiful piece of writing. I felt every emotion. Sometimes our silence can speak volumes when confronted with the ignorance to which you speak. Thank you for such vulnerability.
Reading about the separate-ness of people is right on par (but of course you’re writing in alignment with my experience!!). I am sorry the cow ate your sweater. I would not be over that yet 😂
Your pie sounds delicious. The RBG quote is so powerful! I err on the side of caution. Cats always got my tongue in the hear of the moment and I too, travel time and space to unleash rage in the aftermath of my mind. Related to you silence in a BIG way here. Loved this chapter, Lamb! 🤍
I am NOT over the sweater! I actually forcibly pulled it out of her gullet and tried to wash it, but it was a lost cause. I mean, the most lost (seriously, what was I thinking?!). And I'm so glad that this message of separateness landed, thought I hate that it did, I wish that we all acted as connected as we actually are. Alas, I am so glad that WE are aware of our connection- that is no small thing. xoxo
Thank you, Bonnie! I always really appreciate that you take a moment to comment here, it means a lot to me. xoxo (Especially as I am totally tangled up in your book right now and LOVING IT!!!!)
Dayum, Kendall. This is so so powerful. And timely.
When Hannes told you he was just hoping someone kind showed up was when I first teared up. So glad it was you guys who answered.
And that description of no other wild animal encounter holding anywhere near the threat of that awful moment with the racist neighbor so precise.
Thank you for this piece, Kendall.
Thanks for telling me when you teared up- and that you did. I've had enough distance from this one that I went and read it again, which is always so interesting, isn't it? Do you ever read things you've written and think, "Wow. That came out of me." I think this is the magic of writing.... we feel like we've done it, of course, and also like something else was doing it with us, just enough to be a little moved ourselves (is that cringey? I don't know.) Anyway, thank you for that this morning.
Your empathetic soul... oh Kendall, how to deal with the bad people of this world when we are faced with them? How to speak at all...? It is not always easy to remain silent but I do believe sometimes to do so speaks far more than words. Another beautiful essay, I think I may have loved Hannes too. x
I appreciate this so much, Susie. How do we deal with them?? I think we keep our hearts soft and our spines straight and fumble our way forward from there. xoxo
As always…… your gifts bring tears to my eyes…… each one……. each one. You are the greatest gift ever.
I love you more. ❤❤❤
I just can't get enough from these memoir chapters! I found you a few weeks ago and now I find myself impatient for the next letter in my mailbox. I recognise so much of myself in you and I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who travels back in time to unleash rage or reason onto ignorant fools. Your writing is pure joy Kendall. Thank you! ps: sorry about your sweater! And I hope Hannes found happiness with his new partner. <3
Oh my goodness, I'm so glad you're here, Vic! You are most certainly in good company traveling back in time to "unleash rage or reason onto ignorant fools" (I love that so much). And no, Hannes did not end up with the lovely woman who made the rusks, but he did end up moving to Australia to be with his kids and grandkids, and he is absolutely thriving there. ✨❤ (So kind of you to wonder!)
Oh I'm so glad he's happy and well. You had us rooting for him from the start! Be seeing(reading) you soon! :)
Experiencing this level of hatred and ignorance is so hard. And confronting it, in the moment, seems nearly impossible. I envy those who can masterfully “aikido” the energy so it boomerangs back to the attacker. Kendall, your gracious, loving heart is palpable in every single one of your chapters, whether you’re engaging with whales, or hippos or humans. And it seems like many times, you’re a magnet for all the goodness you offer this world. So it’s probably extra jarring when someone rotten lands in your path. While maybe you didn’t have the perfect verbal comeback in the moment, your magnanimous spirit no doubt ripples outwards into all life, and I’d like to think that has an impact, even when we can’t see the immediate results. ❤️
Wow, this made me tear up this morning, Kimberly. Thank you for the profound generosity of this comment! I hope that all of this is true, the rippling and the magnetism. I know that somehow I have found myself here, among kind and kindred souls, and that is something magic indeed. So much love to you, friend. ❤
Beautiful piece of writing. I felt every emotion. Sometimes our silence can speak volumes when confronted with the ignorance to which you speak. Thank you for such vulnerability.
Thank you for saying so, truly. I think you're right that silence speaks volumes. xoxo
Reading about the separate-ness of people is right on par (but of course you’re writing in alignment with my experience!!). I am sorry the cow ate your sweater. I would not be over that yet 😂
Your pie sounds delicious. The RBG quote is so powerful! I err on the side of caution. Cats always got my tongue in the hear of the moment and I too, travel time and space to unleash rage in the aftermath of my mind. Related to you silence in a BIG way here. Loved this chapter, Lamb! 🤍
I am NOT over the sweater! I actually forcibly pulled it out of her gullet and tried to wash it, but it was a lost cause. I mean, the most lost (seriously, what was I thinking?!). And I'm so glad that this message of separateness landed, thought I hate that it did, I wish that we all acted as connected as we actually are. Alas, I am so glad that WE are aware of our connection- that is no small thing. xoxo
Wow. I love this twist on the animal encounter. Disturbing and powerful. ❤️
Thank you, Bonnie! I always really appreciate that you take a moment to comment here, it means a lot to me. xoxo (Especially as I am totally tangled up in your book right now and LOVING IT!!!!)