Thank you for a masterfully wonderful poem, and thank you for reminding me of Uncle D. I didn't realize how long it's been that you showed me the potential a platform like SL has for changing hearts. Uncle D's story is timeless, and it makes me happy that you are going to bring it back for all of us.
Thank YOU, Aleks. The rebuild is almost done and I will be sharing it and the story of its creation in story, images, and video.
I am trying to think how best to celebrate World AIDS Day (December 1st). That was the date of the launch of the first project and has special meaning for me. I think it would be great to have a concert and some storytellers to share their experiences on the quest. What do you think?
Let me know if you'd like to come in and see what I've done so far and if you have any suggestions for World AIDS Day. Email me with your suggestions at JenaBall@CritterKin.com
Wow Jena, Must say WOW. Your poem divine and so much more said and felt. So much in there that makes me want to know more. And a lovely lovely song for the heart to beat a little bit smoother. Thank you 🩵
Thank you Laura. I am so happy to hear that the post touched you.
I am in the process of recreating the story and plan to share in many forms so that others can experience as well as understand the power of 3D stories.
And as for "Show the Way," I cry every time I hear it. I take that to mean that the love is always there and that we are so much more than this elaborate and exquisite play we are immersed in. I can't wait to share more.
Welcome to the motley and occasionally insightful crew. Just kidding :-)
I'm tickled to have you and am so pleased the poem hit home.
Addressing the stereotypes and stigmas related to the HIV/AIDS epidemic has been a passion of mine for many years. I believe stories in all forms and all worlds are one of the best ways to tackle those issues. Stay tuned.
P.S. I'd love to hear more about you - what you do, what you like to read, etc.
Hi! Currently I have just finished chemo and radiation treatment for a recurrence after 15 years of breast cancer. Had a double mastectomy and chemo the first time around. Stage 3a. Then in April discovered lump under my arm. Cancer was back. But I am an extremely positive person who believes in the power of ones thoughts /mind.
I retired three years ago after 33 years of teaching middle school - 7/8th grade Language Arts. I loved my job for a very long time, but the last 10 years data became more and more important than the students and I was doing a lot of testing and data collection and it was such a time suck taking away from actual teaching and learning. Then administration started no longer being supportive of a teacher's right to hold students accountable for anything including the work being assigned. Ugh.
I am pretty eclectic in my choice of music, however, I have to say although I appreciate the instrumental talent of Heavy Metal and scream music as I call it, I would rather read the lyrics than listen. My whole body just feels tense when I listen. Even some Classical music gives me that same reaction.
I love reading, but admit my focus in the past year hasn't been great. I love crime novels and shows. Daniel Silva novels are rich in history and art references while Ellery Adams Secret Book and Scone Society is lighter fun crime solving but full of literary references. Something about the puzzle of putting clues together and finding justice in the end while at the same time understanding what led to the criminal act humanizing the criminal as well as discovering the weaknesses of those solving the crime satisfies me. Not one of us is perfect and living in a black and white mindset doesn't allow us to see the very nuances we need to see to humanize each other.
Currently rereading East of Eden. Love Steinbeck.
Went through a metaphysical reading binge in high school and college, then again after my last divorce. My last was Call Me Ishmael.
I have my son living with me. He is permanently disabled after surgeries and treatment for Osteosarcoma in 2016 and again in 2019 left him unable to walk without crutches. His right leg and hip and spine all impacted. Full of rods and screws. Chronic pain that he controls with an implanted nerve stimulator and after years of opioid drugs, now on one drug that acts like morphine but doesn't have all the side effects. Thank goodness. He lives at a 5-6 on the pain scale every day. He has a high tolerance for pain. He cannot drive or work. It's hard not being able to fix this for him as his Mom, but all I can do is be here for him. His doctor's all say he's a miracle as he shouldn't be here with the extensive treatment and the kind of cancer he has, but he is...and there's a reason. 😊.
We share a cat named Titus. A big orange tabby male, who is such a love.
Too much?
Thanks for letting me share. I agree that narrative is an important way to get across information to others. I love the podcasts like The Moth, for example, that are narrative based.
Thank you for the book tips inside your rich introduction. I've been looking for a change in reading pace, enjoy off-kilter crime shows (e.g. Wallander), and this endorsement is hitting my curiosity spot.
Not too much, just a lot to take in. Thank you for sharing these windows into your life. It is clear you are both strong and insightful. Your light shines.
I feel the same about music. I can’t listen to a lot of it as my whole body responds and feels like it is being played (literally). So I am careful and don’t listen to much, That said, the music that feels “right” touches me deeply.
I am very very sorry to hear about your son’s condition. What to say in the face of such suffering? I wonder what he makes of it all.
I am a reader too. Loved “Call Me Ishmael.” Also, if we are talking metaphysical, “The Celestine Prophecy,” “The Power of Now,” “Ishmael,” and anything by Rumi.
Thank you so much for entrusting us with your story. Sending love and light. And of course a virtual hug your way.
My son feels helpless and powerless, less than because he feels he has no purpose in life. 😞. He has been looking into alternatives ways to deal with his PTSD as his doctors have told him his body has gone through so much trauma. The hard part is I can't do it for him.
Yes, The Celestine Prophecy was great. I need to look into Rumi. 😊
Thank you for a masterfully wonderful poem, and thank you for reminding me of Uncle D. I didn't realize how long it's been that you showed me the potential a platform like SL has for changing hearts. Uncle D's story is timeless, and it makes me happy that you are going to bring it back for all of us.
Thank YOU, Aleks. The rebuild is almost done and I will be sharing it and the story of its creation in story, images, and video.
I am trying to think how best to celebrate World AIDS Day (December 1st). That was the date of the launch of the first project and has special meaning for me. I think it would be great to have a concert and some storytellers to share their experiences on the quest. What do you think?
Let me know if you'd like to come in and see what I've done so far and if you have any suggestions for World AIDS Day. Email me with your suggestions at JenaBall@CritterKin.com
Wow Jena, Must say WOW. Your poem divine and so much more said and felt. So much in there that makes me want to know more. And a lovely lovely song for the heart to beat a little bit smoother. Thank you 🩵
Thank you Laura. I am so happy to hear that the post touched you.
I am in the process of recreating the story and plan to share in many forms so that others can experience as well as understand the power of 3D stories.
And as for "Show the Way," I cry every time I hear it. I take that to mean that the love is always there and that we are so much more than this elaborate and exquisite play we are immersed in. I can't wait to share more.
HUGS!
Love is what makes everything grow
big hug right back at you
I am a new follower.
That poem was beautiful and gripped me with it's raw authenticity.
I look forward to your conversations.
Hi Kimberly!
Welcome to the motley and occasionally insightful crew. Just kidding :-)
I'm tickled to have you and am so pleased the poem hit home.
Addressing the stereotypes and stigmas related to the HIV/AIDS epidemic has been a passion of mine for many years. I believe stories in all forms and all worlds are one of the best ways to tackle those issues. Stay tuned.
P.S. I'd love to hear more about you - what you do, what you like to read, etc.
Jena,
Hi! Currently I have just finished chemo and radiation treatment for a recurrence after 15 years of breast cancer. Had a double mastectomy and chemo the first time around. Stage 3a. Then in April discovered lump under my arm. Cancer was back. But I am an extremely positive person who believes in the power of ones thoughts /mind.
I retired three years ago after 33 years of teaching middle school - 7/8th grade Language Arts. I loved my job for a very long time, but the last 10 years data became more and more important than the students and I was doing a lot of testing and data collection and it was such a time suck taking away from actual teaching and learning. Then administration started no longer being supportive of a teacher's right to hold students accountable for anything including the work being assigned. Ugh.
I am pretty eclectic in my choice of music, however, I have to say although I appreciate the instrumental talent of Heavy Metal and scream music as I call it, I would rather read the lyrics than listen. My whole body just feels tense when I listen. Even some Classical music gives me that same reaction.
I love reading, but admit my focus in the past year hasn't been great. I love crime novels and shows. Daniel Silva novels are rich in history and art references while Ellery Adams Secret Book and Scone Society is lighter fun crime solving but full of literary references. Something about the puzzle of putting clues together and finding justice in the end while at the same time understanding what led to the criminal act humanizing the criminal as well as discovering the weaknesses of those solving the crime satisfies me. Not one of us is perfect and living in a black and white mindset doesn't allow us to see the very nuances we need to see to humanize each other.
Currently rereading East of Eden. Love Steinbeck.
Went through a metaphysical reading binge in high school and college, then again after my last divorce. My last was Call Me Ishmael.
I have my son living with me. He is permanently disabled after surgeries and treatment for Osteosarcoma in 2016 and again in 2019 left him unable to walk without crutches. His right leg and hip and spine all impacted. Full of rods and screws. Chronic pain that he controls with an implanted nerve stimulator and after years of opioid drugs, now on one drug that acts like morphine but doesn't have all the side effects. Thank goodness. He lives at a 5-6 on the pain scale every day. He has a high tolerance for pain. He cannot drive or work. It's hard not being able to fix this for him as his Mom, but all I can do is be here for him. His doctor's all say he's a miracle as he shouldn't be here with the extensive treatment and the kind of cancer he has, but he is...and there's a reason. 😊.
We share a cat named Titus. A big orange tabby male, who is such a love.
Too much?
Thanks for letting me share. I agree that narrative is an important way to get across information to others. I love the podcasts like The Moth, for example, that are narrative based.
Thank you for the book tips inside your rich introduction. I've been looking for a change in reading pace, enjoy off-kilter crime shows (e.g. Wallander), and this endorsement is hitting my curiosity spot.
Not too much, just a lot to take in. Thank you for sharing these windows into your life. It is clear you are both strong and insightful. Your light shines.
I feel the same about music. I can’t listen to a lot of it as my whole body responds and feels like it is being played (literally). So I am careful and don’t listen to much, That said, the music that feels “right” touches me deeply.
I am very very sorry to hear about your son’s condition. What to say in the face of such suffering? I wonder what he makes of it all.
I am a reader too. Loved “Call Me Ishmael.” Also, if we are talking metaphysical, “The Celestine Prophecy,” “The Power of Now,” “Ishmael,” and anything by Rumi.
Thank you so much for entrusting us with your story. Sending love and light. And of course a virtual hug your way.
Thank you for your compassionate response.
My son feels helpless and powerless, less than because he feels he has no purpose in life. 😞. He has been looking into alternatives ways to deal with his PTSD as his doctors have told him his body has gone through so much trauma. The hard part is I can't do it for him.
Yes, The Celestine Prophecy was great. I need to look into Rumi. 😊
Dear Jena 🌹
Thinking of you...trust you had a magical Thanksgiving Reunions with your near dear ones...
Thank för your awesome writing 🫂🫂🙏🌌🧘💙🌝
How nice of you to think of me Mahesh.
I don't have any family to celebrate with so it was a bit quiet.
How was yours?
Hugs,
Jena