Tyler, thank you for once again demonstrating that words we allow into our heads bring deeper insight in our world. May we use alliteration to highlight you as the “whisperer of the wild”? Right now, I am sitting on my back porch this morning watching a young mother and her fawn nip on wild honeysuckle leaves as they slowly start to make their rounds in the woodland preserve next to my home. And if one were to write about this scene, they could reflect on the quiet and approachable nature of this scene. Or they could note the alertness of the young mother to sounds of threats and the boundless energy and curiosity of the fawn. Either would be a accurate description. Yet, while witnessing both is a gift, after reading this essay (and outstanding haiku) I appreciate (even if i cannot replicate it) your gift for communication with nature, as a conversation enhances any scene more than just a description or photo can. Good conversation brings context to what we clearly witness. And that helps to elevate our understanding and appreciation of it all. Yeah. Good stuff. If we engage and allow it.
Kevin, thank you for being open to the healing power of words, and for believing mine worthy of that. Whisperer of the Wild is now my favorite thing anyone's ever called me haha. I want to put it on a t-shirt, or a business card, or everything. Thank you for this.
I have to work today. So I’m up early and listening to this in the shower. I have the best shower view into my little jungle and the most beautiful fiery Baltimore Oriole came to visit me while listening to this! They are migratory and so I don’t see them very often! I always welcome them back as wonder about their journey! I think he also liked the sound of your voice perhaps!
Also even before you mentioned them I was apologizing to my spiders as I removed their egg sacs from my ceiling. I do it with remorse and it makes me feel bad so see her sadness. But it’s the balance we have to keep.
On Friday I got to visit my favourite goat. He’s super Emo and everyone thinks he’s really mean because he has huge horns. But not me. I know the spot in between those horns that when you rub it, he melts away that gruff exterior and is like a little puppy!
We cannot be so vain as to think we are the only ones who can share our thoughts and emotions. Always remember to talk to the animals and maybe they can teach us something if we learn to listen.
Ah Heather, the intentionality of all you do is so felt. The fact that you feel the sadness when moving the eggs. I understand, and I believe somewhere, she might too. We are so very much not the only ones who can share what we feel, in fact, we might be one of the worst At it. Still we'll try.
A couple of years ago, I read the book Rooted by Lyanda Lynn Haupt.
One of the things that stood out to me is she wrote about reciprocity- how if we spend time in the home of animals, it’s only fair and a part of nature to become food for mosquitoes.
I don’t think anyone is thrilled at the idea of mosquito bites, but it did leave me with a really cool perspective on the balance of giving and taking. Since then I’ve really tried to think about what I offer to the natural world around me, especially as I seek to become more conscious of what it offers me.
Oooh, adding this book to the list. I agree about the mosquitoes, I just wish I wasn't so allergic and get so very swollen. Still I won't swat them, I won't kill them. And I love this balance. I love that you see it.
I loved reading this! This is a superpower I always wished for, growing up; to be able to legit talk to animals. Until the superpower universe bestows that magical ability upon me, Thai kind of unspoken communication of gestures, body language, facial expressions is the next best thing.
When I was.... Probably 13/14 years old, I was lucky enough to be close to a mama deer and her young, on a mild winter day. It was a family that passed by my parents' recreational home often. I decided to take some seeds in my hand and stand with them in my palm, arm outstretched to its fullest, and stood as still as I could. It took 45 minutes, and my arm was on fire, but one deer brushed its ear against my hand and another are from my palm. It was a glorious moment that I will cherish forever!
I loved your tips on connection for all of the animals in your email.... Except, to the spiders. I know it's a flaw since all creation is important, but I have been wronged by them too many times!! If my husband is home, he'll happily relocate the spider but they are NOT allowed in my home. If I am home alone and it's not too terrifying of a spider and I have the ability to trap it for my husband to later take outside, then I do so. But I have also been known to squash them or vacuum them (especially if they are ones that threaten the safety of myself, my kid, or my pets!) I applaud you for upholding your gentleness and respect to the arachnid community though!
Sometimes, Some some times, I can hear them truly. Not just with gestures, not just with expressions, but with actual words spoken without sound. I don't know how else to describe it. Work on the spider thing, truly, see them as curious, as survivors, as those who have no wish to harm you, and all things change. They are adorable if you get close enough, each species so different. Try, for me?
Tyler, thank you for once again demonstrating that words we allow into our heads bring deeper insight in our world. May we use alliteration to highlight you as the “whisperer of the wild”? Right now, I am sitting on my back porch this morning watching a young mother and her fawn nip on wild honeysuckle leaves as they slowly start to make their rounds in the woodland preserve next to my home. And if one were to write about this scene, they could reflect on the quiet and approachable nature of this scene. Or they could note the alertness of the young mother to sounds of threats and the boundless energy and curiosity of the fawn. Either would be a accurate description. Yet, while witnessing both is a gift, after reading this essay (and outstanding haiku) I appreciate (even if i cannot replicate it) your gift for communication with nature, as a conversation enhances any scene more than just a description or photo can. Good conversation brings context to what we clearly witness. And that helps to elevate our understanding and appreciation of it all. Yeah. Good stuff. If we engage and allow it.
Kevin, thank you for being open to the healing power of words, and for believing mine worthy of that. Whisperer of the Wild is now my favorite thing anyone's ever called me haha. I want to put it on a t-shirt, or a business card, or everything. Thank you for this.
I have to work today. So I’m up early and listening to this in the shower. I have the best shower view into my little jungle and the most beautiful fiery Baltimore Oriole came to visit me while listening to this! They are migratory and so I don’t see them very often! I always welcome them back as wonder about their journey! I think he also liked the sound of your voice perhaps!
Also even before you mentioned them I was apologizing to my spiders as I removed their egg sacs from my ceiling. I do it with remorse and it makes me feel bad so see her sadness. But it’s the balance we have to keep.
On Friday I got to visit my favourite goat. He’s super Emo and everyone thinks he’s really mean because he has huge horns. But not me. I know the spot in between those horns that when you rub it, he melts away that gruff exterior and is like a little puppy!
We cannot be so vain as to think we are the only ones who can share our thoughts and emotions. Always remember to talk to the animals and maybe they can teach us something if we learn to listen.
Ah Heather, the intentionality of all you do is so felt. The fact that you feel the sadness when moving the eggs. I understand, and I believe somewhere, she might too. We are so very much not the only ones who can share what we feel, in fact, we might be one of the worst At it. Still we'll try.
A couple of years ago, I read the book Rooted by Lyanda Lynn Haupt.
One of the things that stood out to me is she wrote about reciprocity- how if we spend time in the home of animals, it’s only fair and a part of nature to become food for mosquitoes.
I don’t think anyone is thrilled at the idea of mosquito bites, but it did leave me with a really cool perspective on the balance of giving and taking. Since then I’ve really tried to think about what I offer to the natural world around me, especially as I seek to become more conscious of what it offers me.
Oooh, adding this book to the list. I agree about the mosquitoes, I just wish I wasn't so allergic and get so very swollen. Still I won't swat them, I won't kill them. And I love this balance. I love that you see it.
I loved reading this! This is a superpower I always wished for, growing up; to be able to legit talk to animals. Until the superpower universe bestows that magical ability upon me, Thai kind of unspoken communication of gestures, body language, facial expressions is the next best thing.
When I was.... Probably 13/14 years old, I was lucky enough to be close to a mama deer and her young, on a mild winter day. It was a family that passed by my parents' recreational home often. I decided to take some seeds in my hand and stand with them in my palm, arm outstretched to its fullest, and stood as still as I could. It took 45 minutes, and my arm was on fire, but one deer brushed its ear against my hand and another are from my palm. It was a glorious moment that I will cherish forever!
I loved your tips on connection for all of the animals in your email.... Except, to the spiders. I know it's a flaw since all creation is important, but I have been wronged by them too many times!! If my husband is home, he'll happily relocate the spider but they are NOT allowed in my home. If I am home alone and it's not too terrifying of a spider and I have the ability to trap it for my husband to later take outside, then I do so. But I have also been known to squash them or vacuum them (especially if they are ones that threaten the safety of myself, my kid, or my pets!) I applaud you for upholding your gentleness and respect to the arachnid community though!
Sometimes, Some some times, I can hear them truly. Not just with gestures, not just with expressions, but with actual words spoken without sound. I don't know how else to describe it. Work on the spider thing, truly, see them as curious, as survivors, as those who have no wish to harm you, and all things change. They are adorable if you get close enough, each species so different. Try, for me?
This is your Opus.
X
Oi, Mr. Holland.
We have rules, Mister.
1) happy birthday, my love.
---> a cockie (cockatoo)
& a (not flamin') galah.
You are in so much trouble.
You & Lady G.
Because I've been osmosis-ing & photosynthesisng at your typewriter since about the time Death Cab taught me the sound of settling.
2) this is my Church.
Thank you.
3) thanks for being the Tumnus to my lil' Lucy. You're a Mensch x
"This is my Church" might be the best thing ever. Thank you so much for this.
Also, can you PLEASE just leave that as a review of this place, so I can share it wide? It's my favorite.
In a jiffy, Chief!
Eh, I'm okay x
Thank You for being such a kind human ambassador to the wilds, and for transmitting these precious moments to us with your beautifully crafted words.
Ahhh best compliment ever. Thank you, thank you so much.
THAT is beautiful. I have no words. Just a glow.
You're too kind. I felt the glow writing it, that's how passionate I am about all things that live.
This entire thing is one giant heart melt. 🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲
And this comment makes mine do the same. :)