I took a three-month hiatus to grieve and heal. Working on a peony farm, I learned things about peonies, teamwork, and how not-writing can help your writing.
Hi Victoria! Not that any of us need “permission,” but radical acts of self care can feel selfish if we don’t normalize this as a healthy priority. I hope you’ll go for it next time you need to give your body and brain the rest they need and deserve!
Thank you for sharing this experience. Even vicariously, it is joy giving. A friend of mine, who was a talented artist, used to say time away from your creative work is time sharpening the saw.
This touched me in so many ways. I am so sorry for your loss. I stepped away from writing when my brother died after a long and agonizing struggle with Huntington's disease. I couldn't write for months. It was only when I was magically invited to go on a Nat Geo expedition to Svalbard that I was able to write again. Thank you for being so open. Also, love peonies!
Ok I love this. Filing it away so someday when I need a break for my body and my brain, I remember your inspiring adventure. ❤️
Hi Victoria! Not that any of us need “permission,” but radical acts of self care can feel selfish if we don’t normalize this as a healthy priority. I hope you’ll go for it next time you need to give your body and brain the rest they need and deserve!
This is the BEST! It has given me hours of mind expansion, learning, good feelings and nervous system healing. Wow, thank you for this Kim!
Rika, that means a lot coming from an artist of your caliber! Thanks for being part of my summer of peonies! You are a GIFT!
Thank you for sharing this experience. Even vicariously, it is joy giving. A friend of mine, who was a talented artist, used to say time away from your creative work is time sharpening the saw.
Oooh, I like that metaphor. (And it sounds more positive than grinding an ax, which is my wood-cutting weapon of choice.)
Love this, Kim! I hoped you would write about this and am so glad you did!
Thank you, Mallary! PS next time we chat, I have someone I’m dying to connect you with! She needs to read your book and everything you write.
I absolutely loved this podcast post Kim. I felt as if I was walking next to you on your journey. I share this post in my X account.
PS
The peonies postcards are GORGEOUS. Just beautiful Kim.
That’s how your stories make me feel, Daniel! Send me your address in a DM or text and look for a peony in winter…
This touched me in so many ways. I am so sorry for your loss. I stepped away from writing when my brother died after a long and agonizing struggle with Huntington's disease. I couldn't write for months. It was only when I was magically invited to go on a Nat Geo expedition to Svalbard that I was able to write again. Thank you for being so open. Also, love peonies!