Ah. I don't know where to start: it is beautifully.. beautifully written and so engrossing. It made me reflect on so many things at once and led me to conclude that we might be deprived of looking at our sky and appreciating its ineffable beauty. I just sat for ten minutes after reading this written masterpiece. I contemplated how weak and strong we might be, and our strength must have been compromised by capitalism and Consumerism. Thank you for writing this article and inspiring my exhausted soul 🙏❤️
Oh my. I had to re-read this a few times! You're too kind! This really means a lot coming from you and I'm so glad this piece made you reflect on what we've lost like this.
And we've lost so, so much. The sky, water, soil, animals, humans. We've reduced everything to a background noise instead of the main protagonist.
I see so many writers whose style I like write beautifully about nature, but it reads like a postcard from a holiday, there's a description of natural places, but no deeper contemplation... I can't make myself write like that anymore. I'm forever changed and I see interconnectedness in every step I make and every bird that flies past me. I feel so much grief for all the years when I didn't think this way and was just surviving day to day, drowned in capitalism.
You have a wonderful style! Keep doing what you're doing. I think the best way to hone your writing style is to read, read, read.
I shudder when I think of my style from 15 or so years ago when I worked as a journalist… To be brutally honest, some things I wrote back then were junk. Some I'm still okay with, but some were junk and I acknowledge that. Our writing styles change as we age, grow our worldview, expand our vocabulary, gain more courage…
Read authors whose theme and style you like and absorb their words like a sponge. There's a number of authors here on Substack who wrote some wonderful books and often offer short writing courses/workshops. I've been eyeing a workshop by @Ruth Allen myself and I also like what @Beth Kempton is offering.
This is very beautifully written. It is also very inspiring and makes me remember when I used to live in a place where I could step out my door and watch the skies with no light pollution. I can't live there anymore as the quality of life is to the point of a bare subsistence living, according to my brother who still lives up there. The state is taxing the people right out of existence now he says to me last night.
Last may, when the meteor shower was going around, my dear wife did all she could to get up to a spot where she could watch it, with my help. Then, we took a day and an overnight to try and see the northern lights but we live too far south on this continent. I told her we will have better luck next year when we travel up north next May.
Although I am not experiencing any cold weather here, yet, it has been unusually wet, along with the hurricane that just went through. It has rained nearly non-stop for the last two weeks. I did offer a bit of a celebration in August for Lughnasadh, and a wee something for the Autumn equinox.
We all watch the earth mother follow the cycles of the year, year after year. Some a little different at times but nearly the same. My leaves are turning a little early this year, compared to recent years and I know that this is a sign that the coming season of the Cailleach will likely be a colder one than before. I am prepared as best as I can and we accept what we are given. Thank you for your inspiring piece. We all need to take a moment in time to see the world as our ancestors viewed it while creating those stone places of worship. Something I try as often as I can.
Sad to hear about the place where your brother still lives, but sadly I'm not surprised. No doubt there are some similarities with the dreadful situation we have on the north coast where it's impossible to buy a house and young local families are doomed. It's all holiday homes and second homes now, all tailored for those with deep pockets while a common person is struggling to pay basic utilities and groceries.
I hope your area was safe from the hurricane? It's dreadful to see the destruction left behind the hurricane while the state is spending inconceivable billions on funding Israhell.
It gives me solace to observe Nature and write about Her, but I never stop connecting the dots to form a wider picture. There's a trail of colonialism and capitalism virtually everywhere if you dig a bit. I can't be silent about it anymore.
You have me lost for words with this essay, Ramona, articulating and weaving many thoughts and feelings I've had for years now. How I love the idea of "one human, one sky"! Thank you for sharing your patch of the night sky, your sadness and your reverence, and your stubborn hope, envers et contre tout.
Thank you so much, dear Annette. I'm currently a bit sick so I was away from Substack and Internet in general for a week, and what a beautiful thing it is to come back and read something like this! I'm so glad this latest essay was a good for thought.
And speaking of the night sky, have you managed to catch any aurora in the last few days? There was quite a bit of solar activity recently, Monday and Tuesday in particular. I've seen some beautiful shots from all over Ireland.
Such an extraordinary piece of writing, Ramona. As Marwa says, I don't even know where to start. There is so much here to sit with, to deeply appreciate, to nourish my soul and challenge my actions in the world. Thank you.
Thank you so much, dear Maia. I was away from the Internet for a couple of days while dealing with a stubborn sinus and throat infection and I was inevitably feeling very beaten. It was lovely coming back to see this comment and you sharing my essay! Thanks a lot, this is truly all I can ask for. To nourish and challenge at the same time is no small feat in my eyes. I'm grateful the Universe has given me the tools to express myself in this way and connect with like-minded people.
Hi Ingamarie! I always say we build community offline and online... In the absence of the "village" for so many of us, we have to connect with like-minded people across the world, through every possible channel. Your comments really resonated with me and I'm happy to meet you here.
Ah. I don't know where to start: it is beautifully.. beautifully written and so engrossing. It made me reflect on so many things at once and led me to conclude that we might be deprived of looking at our sky and appreciating its ineffable beauty. I just sat for ten minutes after reading this written masterpiece. I contemplated how weak and strong we might be, and our strength must have been compromised by capitalism and Consumerism. Thank you for writing this article and inspiring my exhausted soul 🙏❤️
Oh my. I had to re-read this a few times! You're too kind! This really means a lot coming from you and I'm so glad this piece made you reflect on what we've lost like this.
And we've lost so, so much. The sky, water, soil, animals, humans. We've reduced everything to a background noise instead of the main protagonist.
I see so many writers whose style I like write beautifully about nature, but it reads like a postcard from a holiday, there's a description of natural places, but no deeper contemplation... I can't make myself write like that anymore. I'm forever changed and I see interconnectedness in every step I make and every bird that flies past me. I feel so much grief for all the years when I didn't think this way and was just surviving day to day, drowned in capitalism.
Can you recommend some books to improve my writing?
Are you sure you need them? 😁
You have a wonderful style! Keep doing what you're doing. I think the best way to hone your writing style is to read, read, read.
I shudder when I think of my style from 15 or so years ago when I worked as a journalist… To be brutally honest, some things I wrote back then were junk. Some I'm still okay with, but some were junk and I acknowledge that. Our writing styles change as we age, grow our worldview, expand our vocabulary, gain more courage…
Read authors whose theme and style you like and absorb their words like a sponge. There's a number of authors here on Substack who wrote some wonderful books and often offer short writing courses/workshops. I've been eyeing a workshop by @Ruth Allen myself and I also like what @Beth Kempton is offering.
Waw. 15 years of writing. That's so fascinating and inspiring. I have been writing for three years now. Thank you for your advice ❤️
This is very beautifully written. It is also very inspiring and makes me remember when I used to live in a place where I could step out my door and watch the skies with no light pollution. I can't live there anymore as the quality of life is to the point of a bare subsistence living, according to my brother who still lives up there. The state is taxing the people right out of existence now he says to me last night.
Last may, when the meteor shower was going around, my dear wife did all she could to get up to a spot where she could watch it, with my help. Then, we took a day and an overnight to try and see the northern lights but we live too far south on this continent. I told her we will have better luck next year when we travel up north next May.
Although I am not experiencing any cold weather here, yet, it has been unusually wet, along with the hurricane that just went through. It has rained nearly non-stop for the last two weeks. I did offer a bit of a celebration in August for Lughnasadh, and a wee something for the Autumn equinox.
We all watch the earth mother follow the cycles of the year, year after year. Some a little different at times but nearly the same. My leaves are turning a little early this year, compared to recent years and I know that this is a sign that the coming season of the Cailleach will likely be a colder one than before. I am prepared as best as I can and we accept what we are given. Thank you for your inspiring piece. We all need to take a moment in time to see the world as our ancestors viewed it while creating those stone places of worship. Something I try as often as I can.
Thank you so much, Terrance.
Sad to hear about the place where your brother still lives, but sadly I'm not surprised. No doubt there are some similarities with the dreadful situation we have on the north coast where it's impossible to buy a house and young local families are doomed. It's all holiday homes and second homes now, all tailored for those with deep pockets while a common person is struggling to pay basic utilities and groceries.
I hope your area was safe from the hurricane? It's dreadful to see the destruction left behind the hurricane while the state is spending inconceivable billions on funding Israhell.
It gives me solace to observe Nature and write about Her, but I never stop connecting the dots to form a wider picture. There's a trail of colonialism and capitalism virtually everywhere if you dig a bit. I can't be silent about it anymore.
You have me lost for words with this essay, Ramona, articulating and weaving many thoughts and feelings I've had for years now. How I love the idea of "one human, one sky"! Thank you for sharing your patch of the night sky, your sadness and your reverence, and your stubborn hope, envers et contre tout.
Thank you so much, dear Annette. I'm currently a bit sick so I was away from Substack and Internet in general for a week, and what a beautiful thing it is to come back and read something like this! I'm so glad this latest essay was a good for thought.
And speaking of the night sky, have you managed to catch any aurora in the last few days? There was quite a bit of solar activity recently, Monday and Tuesday in particular. I've seen some beautiful shots from all over Ireland.
Such an extraordinary piece of writing, Ramona. As Marwa says, I don't even know where to start. There is so much here to sit with, to deeply appreciate, to nourish my soul and challenge my actions in the world. Thank you.
Thank you so much, dear Maia. I was away from the Internet for a couple of days while dealing with a stubborn sinus and throat infection and I was inevitably feeling very beaten. It was lovely coming back to see this comment and you sharing my essay! Thanks a lot, this is truly all I can ask for. To nourish and challenge at the same time is no small feat in my eyes. I'm grateful the Universe has given me the tools to express myself in this way and connect with like-minded people.
Wow , I felt as if I was there right with you looking at that sky , thank you for such beautiful writing you truly have a gift .
Hi Joanne, thank you so much! What a kind thing to say. I'm really, really glad and humbled this piece of writing had such an effect.
This is stunning, Ramona, and I feel like you have read my heart and mind. You are not alone, so many of us feel the same way. Hugs to you! 😘
Thank you so much Ali, this truly means a lot coming from you! Sending hugs back ❤️
Ingamarie here. Thanks for folowing me, but I don’t have the time to write my own substack, I just comment on articles I read.
Looks like if we lived closer we might be friends…but I need more physical real time contact than these sites can provide.
Be well.stay strong and alive in the Great Mother.
Hi Ingamarie! I always say we build community offline and online... In the absence of the "village" for so many of us, we have to connect with like-minded people across the world, through every possible channel. Your comments really resonated with me and I'm happy to meet you here.
We can upvote each other on sites like this, if nothing else. It helps to know you aren't as alone as it sometimes feels.