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Kandace Chapple's avatar

Went last October and took a new friend - we bonded over the 30-hour round trip from Michigan that made (and did not break) our friendship! 😂 We saw the Appalachian Trail was nearby and detoured for a ✅ on the bucket list - if only for two miles!

Joining in virtually this year!! 🩷

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Asha Dornfest's avatar

Utrecht is amazing! I hope you love it.

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Asha Dornfest's avatar

Oops, accidentally hit “submit.” Thx for the Cinema 21 rec…the film looks amazing. And finally, I have a post in my Substack drafts called “Ode to the Asterisk,” about how unseemly cheerfulness feels right now, yet how essential it is, and how, perhaps, we can pour all that ambiguity and sorrow and hope into a little star-shaped punctuation mark.

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Meg's avatar

It seems that this idea of creating is everywhere. Touching everyone in such unexpected ways. I consider myself a creative person, but i put such constraints on myself by only doing things that I was good at, because I cared about what others thought. I’m trying not to do that anymore and just create for creativity sake and because I love myself. It’s a reflection of that love. Thanks ❤️

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Birgit Putteman's avatar

my heart did a happy dance that there will be a book signing in the Netherlands! I was there a few years back in Amsterdam and passed some Belgian chocolates to one of the hosts, not sure if you got them. But I will see you in the Netherlands in real life and online in the Omega Institute. So exciting!

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Jodi Jones's avatar

Thank you, Cheryl, I needed to read this today.

It reminds me of advice my mother gave me years ago.

When you can’t figure out what to do for yourself, do for others.

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Stephanie's avatar

I agree. Creating, making, doing is all a great way focus to express ourselves when so much of us feel as if we are being imprisoned by our government. Great post!

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Gigi Tierney's avatar

I made wild black raspberry preserves for the first time and it definitely makes me feel better, especially on toast.

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Allegra Huston's avatar

My post last night was about the confidence that writing with curiosity and courage build in you - even if it's throwaway writing. Maybe especially if it's throwaway writing.

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Deborah Campbell's avatar

"Action and creation are a salve, a balm, a cure." Yes!

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Kari Luna's avatar

"Action and creation are a salve, a balm, a cure." Love! I feel this, too, making cards for grieving neighbors, helping dogs get adopted, writing, mentoring, growing things, and then giving them away. Sharing. Connecting. Beautiful post. Happy summer to you!

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Katyayani Singh's avatar

Oh I love you Cheryl! This sums up what I’ve been doing this year.

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The Rest with Isabelle Spray's avatar

Such a beautiful description of the empowerment of creativity 💛

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Through A Crack in the Pavers's avatar

This is great! Just the reminder I needed about busy hands, doing and making things. Thank you, Cheryl. (I had to laugh when I saw the picture of you and the flag cake. I have a similar picture of myself, probably taken at the same time/same age. #GenX)

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Margot Rose's avatar

Dearest Cheryl

sounds like the greatest thing in the world, coming to whoop it up in October; I’m hoping I can. It’s been far too long since I’ve been in your luminous presence.

Along the same lines as what you’ve been writing above the way I’ve stayed alive for the past 6 1/2 years is to continue making - by keeping the promise I made to my daughter.

I finally finished it as much as anything is ever finished put it on a stage and I’m hoping to do so again and again. Your teaching and being who you are have helped me through these years more than you know.

Here’s all about my little show.

Lotsa lotsa love

Margot

https://www.unconditionalmusical.com/

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Cheryl Strayed's avatar

I miss being in YOUR luminous presence, dear Margot. I think of you so often and I know you have kept every promise you made to your beautiful daughter. Sending you love always! xx

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Natalie Serber's avatar

Cheryl! Yes to making and doing. I've been knitting blankets like a madwoman. 2025 seems to be the year I hold soft things in my hand and then give them away. As for creating calm and spreading love, it seems to be working. xxN

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Cheryl Strayed's avatar

Madwoman blankets sounds fabulous to me! xx

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Natalie Serber's avatar

Retirement job!

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Just signed up for online! Wish it could be in person. But I'm still excited! Yes, Happy Summer! ❤️

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