Comments on: Words that surround you

By: Heather of the EO

Heather of the EO — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:40:57 +0000

Can I just add that I think you rock?

OK then. I think you rock.

By: becca

becca — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:39:56 +0000

I was in such a happy place yesterday too from all of the inspiring words that others wrote. It was so interesting to read what types of words inspire different people. I still stand by what I originally wrote as my "favorite" quote but honestly, the two words that I try to remember to say to myself each morning are "Live Passionately". It's not an easy thing to do, that's for sure, but if I try to find passion in at least ONE thing I do each day, then I've done good!

By: BigLittleWolf

BigLittleWolf — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:37:40 +0000

I also loved Sarah's post - and your discussion of spaces, and looking at what we surround ourselves with.

Despite my hurried heap of rambling at Momalom about what a disaster my house is (true), it is also overflowing with books and art (some, pretty wild). Some of the art was done by friends; some I've collected in more traditional ways (purchased). Some is by my son (gifted - and no, that's not "mom talk").

There's also a great deal of color - an abundance of red, which I adore because for me it inspires optimism and hits me with a jolt of energy. What's not to love about that?

I guess our space is a reflection of who we are as a family - a bit disheveled, quirky, opinionated, overflowing, cozy. So if mess goes along with it, I'm fine with that. It seems a small price, after all is said and done.

(And I love love love that Whitman quote - thank you again for that!)

By: Aidan Donnelley Rowley

Aidan Donnelley Rowley — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:51:31 +0000

I too loved Sarah's post yesterday. And I love that you have continued the good conversation here. Words. It's all about words, isn't it? The ones we utter, the ones we think, the ones that fuel us, and scare us. Words are gifts.

Gifts. What an apt metaphor this time of year. Gifts come in many packages and are not always easy to give, or to receive.

I love these quotes and, as always, your words. How does it make you feel that your words, your wonderful words, are now supporting and strengthening others?

By: Jen

Jen — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:47:05 +0000

Oh I LOVE Pam Houston. I think you are my unsister sister, or something.
Didn't you just love Sarah's request? And we received so many wonderful wonderful comments. I keep thinking about more of my own WORDS. On my computer at work is this: "Daddy, you're a rusty bolt," said by my son last year, when he was not yet 5.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:34:47 +0000

Lindsey,

First of all, I'm glad you enjoyed the post yesterday. I was buzzing from all of the day one comments and the level of participation from the readers over at our site. Jen and I had our morning chat on the way into work and were talking so fast and so passionately about this experiment of ours. I was supposed to have posted my post already. We decided it was necessary to get our posts up by 8 AM instead of our usual 8 PM (or later)...but I hadn't had my bright idea yet.

So I sat back at my desk and just looked around. And there they were. The words that I have surrounding me. The ones I barely glance at, let alone digest, on a good day or a busy day. But I had paused and looked again in that moment. And there came the post. Easy. Simple. Profound. Because these words? They are so very very profound.

Secondly, Yes! To receive the gifts that life gives. Yes! And also? To recognize those gifts. All so important. And poignant. And just YES!