The Squirrel Story (from The White Stripes album ‘Elephant’, track 10).
When problems overwhelm you and sadness smothers us where do we find the will and the courage to continue? Well the answer may come in the caring voice of a friend. A chance encounter with a book. Or from a personal faith. For Janet, help came from her faith but it also came from a squirrel. Shortly after her divorce, Janet lost her Father. Then her job. She had mounting money problems. Janet not only survived, she worked her way out of despondency and now she says life is good again.
How could this happen? She told me that late on Autumn day when she was at her lowest, she watch a squirrel storing up nuts for the Winter. One at a time he would take them to the nest. And she thought, if that squirrel can take care of himself – so can I. Once I broke my problems into small pieces, I was able to carry them – just like those acorns. One at a time.
As bush fires rage throughout Australia and news feeds take us live into the tragedy unfolding, its heartbreak and suffering, be mindful of protecting children from the trauma of these scenes. And yourself too. Those affected will need very sensitive care for a very long time to come – and this is already happening through the heartening swell of human kindness that has emerged in response to this tragic time. Keep safe.
There is strength, comfort and hope in art and stories ….
These beautiful image are from a book called ‘The Mysteries of Harris Burdick’ by Chris Van Allsburg. The artist has never been found, nor the stories he wrote about the 14 beautiful drawings (with titles only). They were published as a collection of drawings in the hope that children will be inspired by them – and write their own stories.
One day I will swim out to the seaweed. And I swam for the longest time to know the place where I now rest. But let me not forget to look far back into the distance. Cast the mind before the deep unknown. Feel the fear in every stroke as I made that crossing. As I make it still each day.
Imagine … sitting in the waiting room of a dentist surgery, flipping through a newspaper. You spot a sketch of the proposed Twin Tower buildings in New York. In that moment you decide, upon completion of the buildings, you will (illegally) string a tightrope wire between the towers (450 metres high) and attempt the impossible. And you do it. Not once, but you dance (and kneel and lay) along the wire, crossing back and forth 8 times. Philippe Petite devoted years to making his dream a reality -along with loyal supporters. A friend told me this story and recommended the movie ‘Man on Wire’. I return to it time and time again for inspiration and strength – and the message that we must prepare our steps well but also be prepared to step back from the wire when those steps don’t feel right to take.
Find in Clunk & Jam book. See ‘Man on Wire’ documentary film, 2008).
