Hello there,
I’m writing to you from underneath morning clouds with surprise-peeks of blue sky. Hope you’re getting to sip on all the coffee/tea this day warrants. (We could use a break, couldn’t we?) I’m going to etch out some breathing space here by writing postcards to you.
The act of creating, even something tiny, can carve out a groove in the earth for a new stream to flow. The backyard of my mind could use that kind of refreshment. I might just let the little stream glide over my hands, feel how it pours between my fingers. Or perhaps I’ll float a broad, green maple leaf — watch the way the water carries it — how it glides between stones.
Warmly,
Bethany
Photo by Jan Vanaberbeke, Creative Commons license via Flickr (postcard design by Will Willingham). Postcard text by Bethany Rohde.
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Sandra Heska King says
Dear Bethany,
What a serene design! I caught my breath when I saw it, and now I can’t stop gazing at it.
One of my tasks over the last couple of weeks since getting back on my foot has been to shovel out my office and organize it and make it more of a space where I want to spend time instead of the kitchen table or the couch. My hope is to make it a place where I breathe when I enter and maybe–just maybe–find some words again.
My first task at my found desk has been to complete my nursing CEs–a task I always put off until the eleventh hour. The last course in my book (worth 6 credit hours) is titled “Understanding Mindfulness Practices for Nurses and Patients.” The last sections I read before breaking for a walk were on visualization and breathing.
I can’t see the lake out my window, though–just the stucco wall of the neighbor’s house. But then you showed up with tea and a butterfly.
Love,
Me
Bethany Rohde says
Dear Sandra,
Delighted you stopped by the mailbox and read the card. I do love the breezy-dreamy image L.L. Barkat chose of Jan Vanaberbeke’s. And Will Willingham did a fabulous job designing the postcard. (I adore that charming little logo on the address portion!)
And I’m happy to read yours in return! Well done on moving toward space for your learning, your words, and to refresh. [Applause]
Thank you for pausing here. I hope to continue the correspondence.
Warmly,
Bethany
Laura Boggess says
Dear Bethany,
this is the sweetest little note! Thank you for reminding me to enjoy the small things today. Here, we have rain and outside my window this morning each branch of my maple tree drips with light. I will carry your message with me through the day and watch for new streams wherever I go!
Bethany Rohde says
Dear Laura,
I just opened my mailbox and was delighted to find your note inside—thank you! Now, I’m musing on that lovely image of maple tree branches dripping with light. Thank you for refreshing my imagination today.
Warmly,
Bethany
Michelle Ortega says
How sweet! Just the right amount of “Bethany” to break me into smile! It’s a bit of a dreary Sunday here in NJ, although it’s still quite bright out and each day stretches out a few minutes more than the last. Spring is on its way!
Bethany Rohde says
Dear Michelle,
Wonderful to hear from you! Your note sweetened my afternoon. Thank you for drawing my attention to those few extra minutes elongating our days. I needed that.
Warmly,
Bethany
L.L. Barkat says
Dear Bethany,
That broad, green maple leaf has been staying with me. Gliding between stones. The cold water giving it passage. Thank you for a beautiful image from Burrow & Meadow. 🙂
Warmly,
Laura B (of the TSP three)
Bethany Rohde says
Dear Laura B (of the TSP three (how can it be?)),
Thank you for writing back. Lovely to know the leaf I floated has made its way downstream to you. I’m going to start folding up a little paper boat here. Get ready to catch—
Warmly,
Bethany
Laurie Klein says
“The act of creating, even something tiny, can carve out a groove in the earth for a new stream to flow.”
Bethany, thank you! Your gentle postcard invites me to seek the “etch,” its quiet, beckoning force.
First a coffee, then, off to scout a new passage in the “the backyard of my mind” . . .
Bethany R. says
Dear Laurie,
Thank you for reading my postcard and writing back, I’m delighted this spoke to you! Yes, crafting can truly create novel paths. Looking forward to reading your words next!
Happy New Year!
Bethany