Hi all, First, a note about the monthly drop-in in Sidney BC: we’re pausing for summer, but plan to be back to write with you in September.Thanks for reading From a Spiral Notebook! Subscribe for free to receive new posts. Guess what? Last Wednesday I was sitting on a bench on the seawall south of Sidney talking to a friend. I was making an excellent point, I’m sure, but I don’t remember it, because I looked up at the ocean and saw black fins. Yes, there were orcas in the water! My friend and I sat and watched as they dived and surfaced and dived again, surrounded by about five whale watching boats (who I hope were far enough away not to be bothering them). It was the closest I’ve ever been to orcas, having seen them occasionally far away from ferries. It was magic, as being close to wild animals always is. Somehow it’s easier to remember the magic when it’s a whale, though, that you almost never get to see.
Beautiful, Kelsey. So nice to hear from you and read about such a wonderful experience! It is truly magical when we have the opportunity to observe nature in this way. And your poem is exquisite. Full of feeling. 🩵
As a Pisces and one time scuba diver the ocean is our Mother. She is all embracing, connecting, moody and emotional. I have always felt at home in the water...and lighter! I became a mother at 39 yrs old. While I have always said I could have been happy with or without child, I am ever grateful I had the motherhood experience. It made me feel like a part of the life cycle. It also had me care even more about the planet as I was depositing another soul to live here. I know people say we cant live through our children...but I think we can. When my child sucked on a washcloth in the bathtub I remembered doing the same. When I brushed his hair, I remembered my mother doing my braids as a child. I realize I had a happy childhood to reconnect to. Even so there were also times I felt I could unburden myself from my parents "way of thinking" and take a new road with my son. I did by best, I think we all try.
This is such a gorgeous piece of writing. 💛
Beautiful, Kelsey. So nice to hear from you and read about such a wonderful experience! It is truly magical when we have the opportunity to observe nature in this way. And your poem is exquisite. Full of feeling. 🩵
As a Pisces and one time scuba diver the ocean is our Mother. She is all embracing, connecting, moody and emotional. I have always felt at home in the water...and lighter! I became a mother at 39 yrs old. While I have always said I could have been happy with or without child, I am ever grateful I had the motherhood experience. It made me feel like a part of the life cycle. It also had me care even more about the planet as I was depositing another soul to live here. I know people say we cant live through our children...but I think we can. When my child sucked on a washcloth in the bathtub I remembered doing the same. When I brushed his hair, I remembered my mother doing my braids as a child. I realize I had a happy childhood to reconnect to. Even so there were also times I felt I could unburden myself from my parents "way of thinking" and take a new road with my son. I did by best, I think we all try.
Lovely orca magic! I’d like to see some closeup too! But from the safety of shore… I also have had scary orca dreams
What an incredibly beautiful post. Thank you.
Magic. And a beautiful read. Thanks Kelsey ❤️