Oct 18·edited Oct 18Liked by Katharine Beckett Winship
Katharine, I've been thinking of you and had made a mental note to check in with you. Then ... today ... this. Yay! So glad to hear from you and to know you've made it back to the land of the living. Our situation was similar to yours (washed out road, a collapsed bridge, etc.) but we got power a few days before you and our road has been stabilized, at least for now. I so understand about the weight loss and feeling cold. You and your nervous system have been through a LOT. Please take tender loving care of yourself. I look forward to hearing more from you as you process and reflect. Sending blessings from the other side of the mountains between us. (P.S. If I can help with editing/posting, etc., gimme a holler. My Internet is quite stable now.)
Jeanne, you did a great job of keeping us up to date. It's really good to know that you are safe. I was able to write Notes about Helene but you made whole posts. I think you and Janisse helped me consider that the goal is just to get the story out. Thanks for you. I bless the space between us. 💙🌎
We received a fraction of the destruction and I'm storm-haunted. I am so deeply glad for you and for your missives from the frontlines. We have so many people in our farm running supplies up the mountain so if there is anything you need at all, please let me know and I'll do everything I can to get them to you.
These experiences are so profound, so mythic. They reach far back into what it means to be a human, and what it means to understand place in ways that many of us will never know. Ancient, deeply rooted, mystical, and so harrowing. I'm happy that you've come through, and your posts tell the story well. Blessings upon blessings for you and your community!
Mary, yes to all that you said. Thanks for being here. The ancient part is leading me through our geology. Apparently our mountains had landslides maybe one thousand years ago. And we have built on those landslides. I'm learning a great deal. Hard, hard learning but I understand my assignment. Jason Anthony did a fabulous job of writing the bigger piece that was in my mind and wrapping it around some of my notes. I highly recommend his piece called Unresolved. I cross posted it. Thanks very much for your subscription!💙
Happy to hear of these miracles and wisdoms. Your courage and resilience is true a heart-lift. I am not far from you here in NC, closer to the Piedmont than the mountains. Please reach out if there is anything I can do.
❤️ I am so deeply grateful that you have the words and the ability to share them. They bring and build connection to us all. I’ve been thinking and caring for you from this side of the county. My heart is both buoyed and on the verge of breaking on a regular basis but when I read your story it is a moment of buoyancy. Thank you for filling my heart with the story of community. The people we call home have been remarkable indeed. ❤️
Thank you for your thoughts from the other side of the county! We really do need that walk along the River! Thanks for way back when...when you told me I could write!💙🌎
Thank you for your stories, Katharine. It’s a privilege to witness your resilience and community. A living example of Rebecca Solnit’s “paradise built in hell.” Sending love from coastal Maryland. 💚
Sending love to you! Thanks for reading and commenting. I emailed the notice about Upaya with Terry Tempest Williams and Rebecca Solnit. We might collaborate on a piece about that.💙🌎
So glad to hear from you Katharine! Your experience is unique to me, mine of the storm survival meant evacuating to where I could get electricity to pump my C-Pap and other breathing equipment. I came home to Black Mountain on day 10 or 11 depending on when you count Helene of arriving. My apartment is intact and has elec. again and water in the pipes. I agree, many blessings seem to have happened, and so many volunteers both from our community and outsiders have helped all of us. Climate deniers are going to have a hard time dealing with this. We are the front line of this change, when we certainly thought it would be elsewhere! At least I did. The power of storms, of water and mud and wind are now leaving their mark on our emotions, our spirits, and our environment. I have little appetite and have lost a lot of weight just by living each day as it comes. I tell myself that I must eat. If I don't I'll not be able to think clearly. So that is a daily new thing in my life. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I'm so grateful that you are putting things into words.
Oh, Barbara!! I am happy to hear from you! Yes, it's hard to eat but I promise you -- if you focus on the protein, your lungs will thank you. I have to confess, I didn't think I could write about Helene. Other nature writers gave me the courage...this is a kind platform. I'm glad you are here. 💙🌎
Thank you, Katharine, for your open heart that is so courageous, and for sharing it with all of us. And for your belief that science should be shared in stories. I am so grateful you are okay, and am not surprised at all at your strength and resourcefulness. I’ve been thinking of you often. ♥️
My "old" friend (50+ years!), I have held you in my heart since this nightmare of Helene began for you. Knowing that you have been and are physically safe is good, but there is so much trauma that you've endured so far. I am looking for news of Black Mountain daily, hoping to catch a glimpse of you. Of course you are serving the community that you love and loves you; having such purpose helps us endure and, eventually, thrive. Sending you love and strength and so much more.
Deb! Yes, to purpose! Thanks for you. I feel the love. We are old friends, indeed. There are so many stories to tell, from the helicopter pilots who landed on our mountain to deliver water and Fritos (of all things) to the wild sound of crickets and tree frogs reclaiming their place in the world that first night. Nature gave me a library of tales. And some jobs to do. I love you. Katharine
want to weep, like I’ve wanted to for weeks now, all over the trauma of it all unfolding on this blessed Earth.
Thank you thank you. I’m so glad I didn’t delete this 1st posting I’ve received from you via Substack.
I get so many “1sts” from
Substack that it’s yet another overwhelm to cope with!
I live in Ontario Canada. Daily climate conditions here can’t touch what’s happening in other parts of Canada,
never mind (NOT!) what is occurring in the U.S. (I moved from Massachusetts to Ontario in 1971.).
You are in one of the eyes of the unfolding storm throughout the planet—politically, culturally, ecologically, even spiritually. Our time here, in our municipalities Southern Ontario,
has yet to come as we grapple with catch-up re-structuring in our municipalities. Our municipalities of Kitchener and Waterloo are urgently mitigate impacts of climate change locally, trying to undo the old view ways that underserve, exploit, marginalize, and, and ‘other’ our relationship with each other in community, and with this sacred Earth’s profound offerings.
A few years ago, I bought Paul Hawkins’ book DRAWDOWN. I must tell you that a few days ago I bought Ayana’s book WHAT IF WE GET IT RIGHT. We need to read this stuff!!!
At the same time, we have work to do, and at the same time, we must each find time and a front seat place for rest and restoration. We must look after each other, AND ourselves. I find it a very difficult challenge to balance those two needs, especially as a 74 year old gal who loves so much, and aches so much. What a trip. And I consider myself as one of the privileged— Caucasian, retired with a decent enough pension, home ‘mortgagee’ I can afford. Reasonably healthy and free from generational trauma.
Just some thoughts that have sprung out having read of your experience,
Dear Katherine. Bless you, and may you go well in you journey to move through your own, and collective efforts to support each other, as you all cope with the trauma of it all.
I sure wish I could hold you and hug you all, in great love. The best I can do is write this and send it off to you.
What a privilege to meet you. Thank you for taking the time to read Kinship as a first. Your comment is so thorough, so much appreciation for what sprang up for you. It's fascinating to hear from you in Canada.
Don't you think we should have an Ayana book club? When I read the introduction to All We Can Save, all I could think was how much I needed to hear her voice. Now we have it. Tonight, I will sit in the quiet of my home with the lights on and read What If?
Tomorrow night I am supposed to go to a community celebration. We really did come together as a community but I just want to stay home. It is and was that traumatic. Have you read Birding To Change the World by Trish O'Kane? I think you would love her story of redemption after Hurricane Katrina. There's an interview I did with her, maybe a couple of issues ago... my first author interview. She is so wise. Very much like Ayana. big love from Black Mountain, North Carolina💙🌎
Thank you for taking The time to respond Catherine. Our having touched each other by our shared words in these crazy times means a great deal to me as I go through each day this month in particular it seems, this kind of thing is happening more and more, like a cascade, a beautiful cascade.
I really wanted to just say that for now. I just went through way to any many emails to delete stuff as best I could as you. I’m sure you can imagine it’s easy to get overwhelmed even if it’s in a good way.
I’m recovering from cataract surgery with new intraocular lenses inserted –– fully covered by what’s left of our provincial health plan. I am very fortunate. At the moment I’m using a magnifying glass and dictating this to you just to make sure that I’ve thanked you and bless you for your beautiful writing which reaches out, I hope, to more and more people as we try to heal Indra‘s Web in which we are all an intrinsic part—diamonds and all.
All that exists in this cosmos is indeed interconnected by a force we are beginning to understand collectively at what I believe is an unprecedented depth of consciousness.
I could ramble on and on, but it’s unnecessary!
For the love of the Spirit that resides in all of us, when we uncover it, and dare to live it out,
And sending love from Australia, where we too are visited by floods and fires beyond all previous records. The magnitude of the hurricane destruction you have survived is off all records, the stories and descriptions you share are urgent and needed. Moved beyond words by the ways your communities and neighbours have worked together. Thank you and go gently in your very changed world, respecting tremendous shocks you have all been through 💚
Katharine, I've been thinking of you and had made a mental note to check in with you. Then ... today ... this. Yay! So glad to hear from you and to know you've made it back to the land of the living. Our situation was similar to yours (washed out road, a collapsed bridge, etc.) but we got power a few days before you and our road has been stabilized, at least for now. I so understand about the weight loss and feeling cold. You and your nervous system have been through a LOT. Please take tender loving care of yourself. I look forward to hearing more from you as you process and reflect. Sending blessings from the other side of the mountains between us. (P.S. If I can help with editing/posting, etc., gimme a holler. My Internet is quite stable now.)
Jeanne, you did a great job of keeping us up to date. It's really good to know that you are safe. I was able to write Notes about Helene but you made whole posts. I think you and Janisse helped me consider that the goal is just to get the story out. Thanks for you. I bless the space between us. 💙🌎
We survived 37 evacuations while living in Montecito California. My heart is with you. ❤️
Thanks for your heart, Gloria. 💙
Let me know if I can help you in any way.
We received a fraction of the destruction and I'm storm-haunted. I am so deeply glad for you and for your missives from the frontlines. We have so many people in our farm running supplies up the mountain so if there is anything you need at all, please let me know and I'll do everything I can to get them to you.
Kimberly, thank you. It’s lovely to know that you all are there. Be well. Be safe.💙
These experiences are so profound, so mythic. They reach far back into what it means to be a human, and what it means to understand place in ways that many of us will never know. Ancient, deeply rooted, mystical, and so harrowing. I'm happy that you've come through, and your posts tell the story well. Blessings upon blessings for you and your community!
Mary, yes to all that you said. Thanks for being here. The ancient part is leading me through our geology. Apparently our mountains had landslides maybe one thousand years ago. And we have built on those landslides. I'm learning a great deal. Hard, hard learning but I understand my assignment. Jason Anthony did a fabulous job of writing the bigger piece that was in my mind and wrapping it around some of my notes. I highly recommend his piece called Unresolved. I cross posted it. Thanks very much for your subscription!💙
Happy to hear of these miracles and wisdoms. Your courage and resilience is true a heart-lift. I am not far from you here in NC, closer to the Piedmont than the mountains. Please reach out if there is anything I can do.
That means the world. Thank you, neighbor. I think we share Janisse Ray as a teacher.💙🌎
❤️ I am so deeply grateful that you have the words and the ability to share them. They bring and build connection to us all. I’ve been thinking and caring for you from this side of the county. My heart is both buoyed and on the verge of breaking on a regular basis but when I read your story it is a moment of buoyancy. Thank you for filling my heart with the story of community. The people we call home have been remarkable indeed. ❤️
Holly!!! I'm so glad you're safe.
Thank you for your thoughts from the other side of the county! We really do need that walk along the River! Thanks for way back when...when you told me I could write!💙🌎
Yes! I’ve been working long hours helping our local business owners would love to get away for a walk! Let’s try for this week! 💙🩵
Consider it done!
I was going to re-open next week but the roads are not ready. Or maybe I’m not ready to bear witness daily.💧💦🩵
I will text you.
Thank you for your stories, Katharine. It’s a privilege to witness your resilience and community. A living example of Rebecca Solnit’s “paradise built in hell.” Sending love from coastal Maryland. 💚
Sending love to you! Thanks for reading and commenting. I emailed the notice about Upaya with Terry Tempest Williams and Rebecca Solnit. We might collaborate on a piece about that.💙🌎
So glad to hear from you Katharine! Your experience is unique to me, mine of the storm survival meant evacuating to where I could get electricity to pump my C-Pap and other breathing equipment. I came home to Black Mountain on day 10 or 11 depending on when you count Helene of arriving. My apartment is intact and has elec. again and water in the pipes. I agree, many blessings seem to have happened, and so many volunteers both from our community and outsiders have helped all of us. Climate deniers are going to have a hard time dealing with this. We are the front line of this change, when we certainly thought it would be elsewhere! At least I did. The power of storms, of water and mud and wind are now leaving their mark on our emotions, our spirits, and our environment. I have little appetite and have lost a lot of weight just by living each day as it comes. I tell myself that I must eat. If I don't I'll not be able to think clearly. So that is a daily new thing in my life. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I'm so grateful that you are putting things into words.
Oh, Barbara!! I am happy to hear from you! Yes, it's hard to eat but I promise you -- if you focus on the protein, your lungs will thank you. I have to confess, I didn't think I could write about Helene. Other nature writers gave me the courage...this is a kind platform. I'm glad you are here. 💙🌎
See how my brain is out of kilter...lastSunday the 13th of Oct. was at least day 17!
Protein, my friend!
Thank you, Katharine, for your open heart that is so courageous, and for sharing it with all of us. And for your belief that science should be shared in stories. I am so grateful you are okay, and am not surprised at all at your strength and resourcefulness. I’ve been thinking of you often. ♥️
Kateri! Yes, we need the translation of science. Thanks for noting that. Thanks for your love. Thanks for you. My great teacher.💙🌎
My "old" friend (50+ years!), I have held you in my heart since this nightmare of Helene began for you. Knowing that you have been and are physically safe is good, but there is so much trauma that you've endured so far. I am looking for news of Black Mountain daily, hoping to catch a glimpse of you. Of course you are serving the community that you love and loves you; having such purpose helps us endure and, eventually, thrive. Sending you love and strength and so much more.
Deb! Yes, to purpose! Thanks for you. I feel the love. We are old friends, indeed. There are so many stories to tell, from the helicopter pilots who landed on our mountain to deliver water and Fritos (of all things) to the wild sound of crickets and tree frogs reclaiming their place in the world that first night. Nature gave me a library of tales. And some jobs to do. I love you. Katharine
Thank you for these stories and for the way you care for and speak about the Earth.
Isabel! I really appreciate you coming in to read and comment.💙🌎
Glad you are relatively safe now. Such a devastating storm. Thank you for the update.
Thanks for being here, Patrick. You are so loyal!💙🌎
Katherine, your piece makes me
want to weep, like I’ve wanted to for weeks now, all over the trauma of it all unfolding on this blessed Earth.
Thank you thank you. I’m so glad I didn’t delete this 1st posting I’ve received from you via Substack.
I get so many “1sts” from
Substack that it’s yet another overwhelm to cope with!
I live in Ontario Canada. Daily climate conditions here can’t touch what’s happening in other parts of Canada,
never mind (NOT!) what is occurring in the U.S. (I moved from Massachusetts to Ontario in 1971.).
You are in one of the eyes of the unfolding storm throughout the planet—politically, culturally, ecologically, even spiritually. Our time here, in our municipalities Southern Ontario,
has yet to come as we grapple with catch-up re-structuring in our municipalities. Our municipalities of Kitchener and Waterloo are urgently mitigate impacts of climate change locally, trying to undo the old view ways that underserve, exploit, marginalize, and, and ‘other’ our relationship with each other in community, and with this sacred Earth’s profound offerings.
A few years ago, I bought Paul Hawkins’ book DRAWDOWN. I must tell you that a few days ago I bought Ayana’s book WHAT IF WE GET IT RIGHT. We need to read this stuff!!!
At the same time, we have work to do, and at the same time, we must each find time and a front seat place for rest and restoration. We must look after each other, AND ourselves. I find it a very difficult challenge to balance those two needs, especially as a 74 year old gal who loves so much, and aches so much. What a trip. And I consider myself as one of the privileged— Caucasian, retired with a decent enough pension, home ‘mortgagee’ I can afford. Reasonably healthy and free from generational trauma.
Just some thoughts that have sprung out having read of your experience,
Dear Katherine. Bless you, and may you go well in you journey to move through your own, and collective efforts to support each other, as you all cope with the trauma of it all.
I sure wish I could hold you and hug you all, in great love. The best I can do is write this and send it off to you.
Ellen Forrester
Dear Ellen,
What a privilege to meet you. Thank you for taking the time to read Kinship as a first. Your comment is so thorough, so much appreciation for what sprang up for you. It's fascinating to hear from you in Canada.
Don't you think we should have an Ayana book club? When I read the introduction to All We Can Save, all I could think was how much I needed to hear her voice. Now we have it. Tonight, I will sit in the quiet of my home with the lights on and read What If?
Tomorrow night I am supposed to go to a community celebration. We really did come together as a community but I just want to stay home. It is and was that traumatic. Have you read Birding To Change the World by Trish O'Kane? I think you would love her story of redemption after Hurricane Katrina. There's an interview I did with her, maybe a couple of issues ago... my first author interview. She is so wise. Very much like Ayana. big love from Black Mountain, North Carolina💙🌎
Thank you for taking The time to respond Catherine. Our having touched each other by our shared words in these crazy times means a great deal to me as I go through each day this month in particular it seems, this kind of thing is happening more and more, like a cascade, a beautiful cascade.
I really wanted to just say that for now. I just went through way to any many emails to delete stuff as best I could as you. I’m sure you can imagine it’s easy to get overwhelmed even if it’s in a good way.
I’m recovering from cataract surgery with new intraocular lenses inserted –– fully covered by what’s left of our provincial health plan. I am very fortunate. At the moment I’m using a magnifying glass and dictating this to you just to make sure that I’ve thanked you and bless you for your beautiful writing which reaches out, I hope, to more and more people as we try to heal Indra‘s Web in which we are all an intrinsic part—diamonds and all.
All that exists in this cosmos is indeed interconnected by a force we are beginning to understand collectively at what I believe is an unprecedented depth of consciousness.
I could ramble on and on, but it’s unnecessary!
For the love of the Spirit that resides in all of us, when we uncover it, and dare to live it out,
Rambling-ly yours,
Ellen ❤️
♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Thank you for writing about your experience and all you are learning through this. It is beautiful to see people coming together.
And sending love from Australia, where we too are visited by floods and fires beyond all previous records. The magnitude of the hurricane destruction you have survived is off all records, the stories and descriptions you share are urgent and needed. Moved beyond words by the ways your communities and neighbours have worked together. Thank you and go gently in your very changed world, respecting tremendous shocks you have all been through 💚
I am out of words. Sending love from Franklin. ❤️