Since I'm leaving on retreat...

[pegkerr]

The last time I went on a retreat, I asked people to send me trees, and I got many marvelous responses. Thank you.

I'm going on retreat again because as you know things have been hard lately, and so I've been struggling. This time, I'll simply ask for this: I'd just appreciate an encouraging note. Or an affirmation. Or a good wish. Or a prayer. Or simply something just to think about in the days to come. Tell me what you think I'm doing right, tell me I'll get through this (me and my family, both). Tell my why you like reading this LiveJournal.

Tell me anything you think will give me light in dark places. Lurkers, I'd really appreciate hearing from you, too.

Thanks.

Love,
Peg

Comments

[flourish]

An old standard but a good one:

The Mountain Goats' "This Year" on YouTube.

I like it because it doesn't fake anything. And at this point I feel like a lot that I could say would be treacly but this is true. "There will be feasting and dancing in Jerusalem next year / I am gonna make it through this year if it kills me."

[wintercreek]

Peg, I wish you good things and serendipity and hope, for your retreat and always.

Why do I read your journal? For all the reasons others have mentioned, here and on LJ, and because of the honesty and thoughtfulness you put into your posts. That you write sincerely and deeply about the things you struggle with and the things you rejoice in makes them a point of connection between your life and the lives of all of us who read your posts. I've been rereading your heart of flesh/heart of stone tag lately, because some pieces of my life having me struggling to keep the heart of flesh, and your posts are a comfort and an inspiration.

And there is something you're doing right: you're not shutting yourself away, not accepting the heart of stone the world wants you to have. You're here with your heart of flesh, showing us what it means to live that way in good moments and in difficult ones.

You will get through this, you and your family. As Julian of Norwich said, "All shall be well and all shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well." Even if it takes a while to get there.

[serene]

I don't say this to just anyone: You make my life better. I have never even met you, but you have made my life better. Thank you.