tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post9072565327762340169..comments2023-10-14T18:34:30.879+02:00Comments on Lost in Arles: White bird in the snowHeather Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316279029849503437noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-45626944936775255872014-09-27T19:05:00.410+02:002014-09-27T19:05:00.410+02:00Aurelia, this is such an amazing response, thank y...Aurelia, this is such an amazing response, thank you. And please accept my apologies for using sloppy language - I honestly had not understood correctly! I have a good friend who suffers as well from a rare form of auto-immune disease and see how debilitating it can be. I offer you all of my Best Wishes for your health. It sounds as if you are in a very good place in regards to your challenges without letting them interfere with the quality of your life - that is something that I admire enormously. <br /><br />As for me, I don't consider myself a brave person, just someone who is trying to find her way...the blog is called "Lost" in Arles for a reason!<br /><br />Have a great weekend,<br />HeatherHeather Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01316279029849503437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-65641987922774786732014-09-26T01:12:44.920+02:002014-09-26T01:12:44.920+02:00You did it again Heather! Thoughts so well express...You did it again Heather! Thoughts so well expressed...and so resonant in my own life too.<br />I love how you"shyly side-glance" your battles clearly in the eye! <br />It sounds familiar to me, though I think, from reading your blog, that you are a rather brave person.<br /><br />I would like to add a word about gluten and diets: I have been learning how to live with several, at times debilitating and life threatening, autoimmune conditions and found that diet has been a key factor in how well I feel. However a "cure" means that the condition is gone; whereas these autoimmune conditions are things we learn to manage and live with as well as we can. Gluten is never a fad diet for a Celiac (one of my conditions) which means that gluten is never tolerated at all in one's lifetime. <br />I think that learning to live well in one's body, whatever shape or size, is something as unique as each individual...along with that comes the challenge to find what it is that works best for that particular body/self in that particular time in life in which they find themself... I am lucky enough to get to enjoy a good glass of wine now and then and finding many ways to enjoy life, good food, great friends and good conversations!aurelia zephirehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02115808860755251972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-61613212705922304052014-09-25T20:57:49.203+02:002014-09-25T20:57:49.203+02:00Silke, I promise you that I could never have expec...Silke, I promise you that I could never have expected such a response in a million years! Heather Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01316279029849503437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-29013412710621495872014-09-25T17:36:20.482+02:002014-09-25T17:36:20.482+02:00Isn't it interesting and how many people can r...Isn't it interesting and how many people can relate to this topic and are willing to comment here? Silkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18227231314673040029noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-15019795547063283452014-09-25T05:04:00.140+02:002014-09-25T05:04:00.140+02:00Lorrie, this was so beautifully put. I am really g...Lorrie, this was so beautifully put. I am really grateful that you added your thoughts here. You gave me things to think about in return. My experience overseas is different than yours as I often am aware of a "And you aren't even a Mom?" on top of my not working. It doesn't help my already flagging self-confidence. But again, I am working on it. While I am not a Christian, I do find it very beautiful your thought of knowing your value through God's eyes and not how others see me...even more so as I feel that much of how people see me in France...well, I won't say it is "Lost in Translation" but nearly! <br /><br />And yes, the Busy Badge. I am (again) trying to teach myself to not apologize for not being busy at this stage of my life. It is just where I am right now. But that badge makes me sad. I know that people can't help but be busy in today's society with working and family...but...oh, that is another topic altogether! <br /><br />PS. I love in how each of these really wonderful comments, each person is "adding texture and interest."Heather Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01316279029849503437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-77761212947644021452014-09-25T04:39:24.249+02:002014-09-25T04:39:24.249+02:00Oh, I am no saint, Lisa! I can't imagine not h...Oh, I am no saint, Lisa! I can't imagine not having tea with caffeine...yet. But that is a wonderful idea for the garden. I will let you know if we get to do it this year. Heather Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01316279029849503437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-75421475724028926192014-09-25T00:13:41.678+02:002014-09-25T00:13:41.678+02:00I think you will like the adventure of a garden. I...I think you will like the adventure of a garden. I do sometimes have a coffee free day- picking fresh leaves/petals for homemade teas is a helpful garden boon :-) Lisa Southardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09711376747848601409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-5667099113765433392014-09-24T23:45:38.214+02:002014-09-24T23:45:38.214+02:00There is much to think about here, Heather. I'...There is much to think about here, Heather. I'll be coming back to this. <br />My initial reaction is that I never worried about what I did while we lived overseas - that is, I didn't define myself by what I did. I was busy with family and friends and lived in a culture that valued my roles. In the past decade we've settled back into life in Canada and our children have flown the nest. I am constantly asked "what I do." I feel like a parasite because I don't have a regular job, nor am I overly involved in volunteer work although I do teach part time and help out in various areas. <br />It's become a badge of honour to say "I'm so busy" and when I can't say that, I wonder, sometimes, why? It's a struggle to fight against this culture of busyness and valuing someone for what she does (or earns) rather than for who she is. I'm content (when I'm deliberate about it) to live my ordinary life as an ordinary person astonished at this amazing world I live in. As a person of faith I keep reminding myself of my value in God's eyes rather than how others around me view me. How lovely is the imagery of a bird in the snow, part of creation but not dominating it. Adding texture and interest. Lorriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03653026442945027184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-7770817296714091072014-09-24T16:10:14.439+02:002014-09-24T16:10:14.439+02:00Thank you for the compliment and the great respons...Thank you for the compliment and the great response, Lisa. Ooh ding, ding, ding! Ringing them bells. For my Mom's wedding last weekend she just went ahead and made an appointment for me to get my hair done because she knows that I never do in France. And wow! That was fun to be Glamorina for a day (especially such an important day :). But yep, just fun and kind of sparkly. And we are looking into renting part of a community garden near our new house! At only 20€ a year? Neither of us are very confident that we have the Green Thumbs (or 'mains verts' in French) to make things grow but figure it is worth the shot as yes, it would do us both good! <br />PS. I was amazed how easy it was to make the switch (for me) from coffee to tea. I am loving that I no longer feel shaky or crash afterwards... Heather Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01316279029849503437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-3830785912147632672014-09-24T11:31:26.295+02:002014-09-24T11:31:26.295+02:00I'm happy in the snow with my white feathers- ...I'm happy in the snow with my white feathers- but it is strikingly lovely to hear this from another person! It coincides with a fabulous new haircut (my daughter being at hair school makes this possible) which, having spent several years now being Not Glamorous, I am enjoying: but it is only fun, only a reminder of The Greater Fabulousness Of The Universe, and not a defining characteristic. Likewise I love my coffee. It is not (usually...) a prop. Also, more vegetables is a sensible plan- we have not banned any foodstuffs here but the move to cleaner eating has made noticeable improvements to health, which makes noticeable improvements to being. Plus if you grow your own, being outside is a restorative experience in itself. Beautifully blogged, Heather :-) xxLisa Southardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09711376747848601409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-80946853612674731632014-09-24T00:54:39.382+02:002014-09-24T00:54:39.382+02:00I agree Keith, what is first and foremost right no...I agree Keith, what is first and foremost right now is and has been looking at those old "perfectionist" demons in the eye to once and forever finally bury them in the ground where they belong! Heather Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01316279029849503437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-25697561710636028152014-09-24T00:53:34.819+02:002014-09-24T00:53:34.819+02:00Edgar, the word that was used in the article was &...Edgar, the word that was used in the article was "complacency" - an interesting counterpoint to conformity. And how...surprising...that in our contemporary society that conformity no longer means shrinking down but building up to better, brighter, more...<br />Heather Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01316279029849503437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-24733154171763107722014-09-24T00:47:54.164+02:002014-09-24T00:47:54.164+02:00Thank you Jackie. This makes sense to me as even s...Thank you Jackie. This makes sense to me as even some of the things I have already "learned" come and go, sometimes resurfacing years later. Hopefully, the process will continue...Heather Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01316279029849503437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-37659194167776416852014-09-23T21:36:54.146+02:002014-09-23T21:36:54.146+02:00Heather, I am loving your deep thoughts lately. We...Heather, I am loving your deep thoughts lately. We hold ourselves to such unreasonably high expectations sometimes and that can be so harmful. Optimistic Existentialisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11507986337866049924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-47859564072420073112014-09-23T20:26:16.037+02:002014-09-23T20:26:16.037+02:00I and the herd. To conform is seductive. You touch...I and the herd. To conform is seductive. You touched the problems of conformity.<br /><br />We have to find own voice. “To thine own self be true”. Our ego has a very grip and will not want to let go.<br /><br />Spiritually we have to find our true self, our authentic self.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-10111148886695174522014-09-23T17:46:01.166+02:002014-09-23T17:46:01.166+02:00As always Heather you've provided us food for ...As always Heather you've provided us food for thought and I also get a second serving from the comments of those in your blogosphere world. You made the point that many of us are older than you and have already gone through this round of introspection and you are correct, but I do think that as we age we continuously give ourselves a look in the mirror and try to decide who we really are. . .it doesn't just come and go with clearly defined answers. As all the others have said, this one is one to ponder for some period of time. . .and I plan to do just that!Jackie and Joel Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14074129927177165084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-40274963197525453692014-09-23T17:18:39.043+02:002014-09-23T17:18:39.043+02:00Sister, you were entirely the fuel for this post! ...Sister, you were entirely the fuel for this post! You inspire me so much, all the time. And yes, you bring SO much good energy into the world everyday...with your work, with your loving kindness, even just that beautiful smile. I love you so much and am so grateful that I have such an amazing Sister. :)<br /><br />And thank you Vicki Lee for sharing the book! Robin knows me well, I was curious to know what it was too and will look it up..."to let go of all that I was expected to be"...!!!Heather Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01316279029849503437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-28910927688373168752014-09-23T17:14:31.870+02:002014-09-23T17:14:31.870+02:00Jeanne, I almost wrote at the end of this post tha...Jeanne, I almost wrote at the end of this post that I know that so many of you that are here are older than I am and have already been through all of this! And more...I can't wait...but as for that bottle of wine or tea? Oh, how I do hope that will happen one day...at TF? My what a lovely thought...Heather Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01316279029849503437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-7514332155411478392014-09-23T17:10:51.810+02:002014-09-23T17:10:51.810+02:00Silke, you in return have given me things to think...Silke, you in return have given me things to think about as well! And I know that this is a long post but I couldn't figure out another way to do it without throwing all of it out there, even if the threads are kind of tenuous and messy. You and I have had a lot of the same challenges in life. I know that I have said it before but it is so true. We have been through a lot of similar things. In having had the great pleasure to have met you, I see how you have embraced that hard won freedom and are always open to the possibilities - and I find that very inspiring. :)<br /><br />And as for the apartment? Oh sure do I understand that! But I am glad that you listened to your instinct - I know that you have a specific idea of what you are looking for, what could be next and it may take time but it will happen!Heather Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01316279029849503437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-53020961226854528572014-09-23T17:04:22.614+02:002014-09-23T17:04:22.614+02:00And to you for the lovely response. I am so glad t...And to you for the lovely response. I am so glad that I wrote this post, Tracy. I really never expected to have such a return. My friend Tony told me a long time ago that life is like a river and you can either fight against the tide or go with it as it will keep flowing either way. Thank Goodness for our loved ones too...Heather Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01316279029849503437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-85994146221555427382014-09-23T17:00:43.798+02:002014-09-23T17:00:43.798+02:00This is so amazing, Vicki Lee. I know that I will ...This is so amazing, Vicki Lee. I know that I will reread your response as it gets right to the heart of where I am hoping to go. Yes, yes, yes we do "have a choice"...all of this rings true to me. All of it. Merci beaucoup and also for the kind words about the blog as well. And yes, Home is important to me but - and I hope that this doesn't sound pretentious! - that is also the home inside each of us too. Heather Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01316279029849503437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-64604646140540544572014-09-23T16:50:16.507+02:002014-09-23T16:50:16.507+02:00Joan, I imagine that you shed all of the unnecessa...Joan, I imagine that you shed all of the unnecessary stuff a long time ago already...Heather Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01316279029849503437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-39488647572442851552014-09-23T16:46:54.913+02:002014-09-23T16:46:54.913+02:00That is so very true, Judith. It was such a shock ...That is so very true, Judith. It was such a shock when Remi and I first travelled to Mali - it was the first time that I had seen such poverty and cried every night the first week. It is all so relative and I also tend to blow up my personal worries out of proportion when I forget that. <br />And I really appreciate that you are being "forgiving and understanding" with yourself. My Sister is a big fan of Pema Chodron. Her writing might be of interest to you as well.Heather Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01316279029849503437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-34817782985688609562014-09-23T15:48:15.587+02:002014-09-23T15:48:15.587+02:00Nothing wrong with that Judi! That is actually wha...Nothing wrong with that Judi! That is actually what I am aiming for...Heather Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01316279029849503437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-19628539159361747652014-09-23T14:37:15.551+02:002014-09-23T14:37:15.551+02:00Hi Robin - I am reading "What I Know For Sur...Hi Robin - I am reading "What I Know For Sure" - Oprah Winfrey - who introduced me so many years ago to the greats like Marianne Williamson, Eckhart Tolle, Gary Zukav etc - all books I have read and changed my life .... and helped me raise my kids, find my true self and allow me to let go of all that I was expected to be. Vicki Lee Johnstonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10409588969370991946noreply@blogger.com