My light news: I can learn a new trick at age fifty. Without much experience I am able to make full day hikes in the mountains of Patagonia and Iām loving it! The scenery, birds, and ice bergs surely help to make this time an extraordinary one.
I love your writing Cait & also want to share a film recommendation. Itās a Norwegian film called Elskling, meaning Loveable. Have tissues on hand but also, just itās so human x
I loved taking time to read your light news, especially given the current world. It helps me to remember to take time to notice my own. After six years of hip pain I went to a PT last week. Even just a few days of at home exercises, things are starting to feel better. The wild thing is every movement and stretch are ones Iāve done before, it feels too good to be true, but Iām just savoring it right now.
I live in the Northeast in the US and we had a HUGE storm over the weekend. I bought a sled and went sliding down our small hill on our deadend road!! I'm 63 years old and laughed like a kid. I didn't really go very fast but my neighbor said she got a good laugh watching me slide past her house.
My light news: I was able to experience the Monks Walk for Peace close to where I live -- The Monks started some 90 days ago in Texas and are on their way to Washington DC. It was a very touching experience to witness their dedication to peace and the effect it had on the people that watched and also attended the 1 hour talk one of the monks gave.
My light news for this month is that I took a humor writing workshop and found it so amazingly helpful for processing some things that have taken up residence in my mind. what a relief to know there's another way to work through the things that weigh us down :)
Movies I've loved in the last few years are a few oldies - The Long Goodbye, Rear Window, My Man Godfrey; and some newer ones - Anatomy of a Fall, Blow the Man Down. I've been loving films as both an escape from the world and a way to understand the world better.
The weather in the PNW this winter has been incredibly mild and dry, which means Iāve had so many beautiful, sunny hikes that are usually not available this time of year. As a sharp contrast to the mood of the country, theyāve been such a gift and lifeline. š
My light news: I started reading some Fantasy books this month! This is a genre that I've tip toed around for some unknown reason. I ran across Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree at my local library and now I'm finishing up the third in the series. I believe it's considered "Cozy Fantasy" or "Low-stakes Fantasy". Either way, I will count them as a good introduction to the fantasy world and one that I have enjoyed thoroughly!
Thank you Cait for a peek inside all the lovely little lights in your world! I have found Train Dreams on Netflix and made note of the others listed here! My light is about community! I have been in ED recovery for 4 years and made a connection in an online community with a brilliant woman in Ottawa! Although we have never met in person we are a daily support to each other through emails and weekly we have do art therapy together! Each week we meet on zoom and take turns offering prompts. We chat while we create art and then share at the end! This week is my turn and you won't believe my prompt...What makes you feel light?! I have marked passages in Katherine May's wintering to share aloud for inspiration. Although the winter this year has been particularly harsh I do try to live by this mantra...if only we look for...the light! So glad the birdies are being looked after by you too! They know you are a light!š„°š„°ššš¤š¤
My favorite movie is actually a PBS Masterpiece Theatre mini series Jane Eyre starring Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens. J.E. is my favorite book as well.
For light news, my grandson started crawling and he is so so happy. He's 7 months old and when you walk into a room (even if you've just stepped out to let the dog back in) he raises his arms, smiles and Heyyyyy! Honestly, without him, I believe I would be in total despair over the state of my country (USA).
Thank you for your thoughtful writing, as always, Cait.
Thank you for painting such a sweet image of your grandson for us, Sylvia! I can see why he'd be the light in your life right now. My nephew is 6 months old and VERY close to crawling. I can't wait to discover the next version of who he's becoming, when I go back for my next visit ā¤ļø
It's been a beautifully slow January, which was my intention. In the PNW, we've had so many sunny days in a row, a rarity in this part of the country, that I've gotten outside daily to enjoy the weather. I do miss the clouds a bit, as that's the norm for this time of year, but I believe they'll make their appearance soon. I've been noticing all the birds around the house, there's even a pair of great horned owls hooting back and forth to each other!
Oh wowww, the owls! That's so cool, friend! I hear lots of from our house too... but never see them! So glad to hear you've had the slow month that you wanted āŗļø I'm ready for February to be more of the same, then maybe start doing a few more things in March!
This is not going to sound like light news but my job drastically changed a couple weeks ago. It was a tough go of it last week but this week, I feel like Iām getting the hang of it & enjoying the challenge. I am behind on everything but talking through it with my counselor yesterday was so helpful. I was so bored previously and had not told anyone. Itās been a busy January acclimating but Iām actually thinking Iām much happier!
Hey Cait, you have mentioned possibly working on book three and that has got me interested to read the first two after being a reader of your Substack for a few years. I am in the first chapters of TYOL and I already know I will enjoy reading it. After a chapter I go and read your chapter reflection you did couple years back here. I am enjoying reading it like this! My recent favourite movie is the Sentimental Value. The raw portrait of family relationships and dynamics. Pfew, tears were teared. And to finish this reflection of small everyday joys. For this month it has been cross country skiing and skitouring while the snow lasts in my corner of the world and much slower work pace. āļø
I love that you're going back and forth like that, Michaela! Wonder what will stand out for you, as you do that... I've still never been cross-country skiing, but your mention of it made me miss snowshoeing! Things you don't really get to do in the UK, haha. Glad you're enjoying the snow! Oh and I'm adding Sentimental Value to my list!
It is better to light a candle then to curse the darkness. I canāt remember who said this but I remember my fave high school teacher quoting this. The world is hard and heavy and dark and I want to remember drinking the worst tasting rum punch I have ever had in Catherineās bar - a set for the show Death in Paradise - in Guadalupe (I use the term drinking very liberally here). I want to remember riding a Segway down a beach in St. Lucia. I want to remember the faces of the monkeys we say. I want to embrace all the time a cat sat on my lap, the warm fire, all the books. I am hopefully that our shared humanity can help us all navigate the challenges we face and we can all still find the small joys.
Ahhh yes... I think it's one of those quotes that has been credited to many people! Beautiful. And I want you to remember all of these things too, Kristen!
My light news: I can learn a new trick at age fifty. Without much experience I am able to make full day hikes in the mountains of Patagonia and Iām loving it! The scenery, birds, and ice bergs surely help to make this time an extraordinary one.
Oh my gosh, that sounds amazing, Claire! Sounds like you're making memories of a lifetime š
I love your writing Cait & also want to share a film recommendation. Itās a Norwegian film called Elskling, meaning Loveable. Have tissues on hand but also, just itās so human x
Ahhh thank you so much, Rachel! I've added it to my watchlist, and will have to figure out how I can watch it here!
I loved taking time to read your light news, especially given the current world. It helps me to remember to take time to notice my own. After six years of hip pain I went to a PT last week. Even just a few days of at home exercises, things are starting to feel better. The wild thing is every movement and stretch are ones Iāve done before, it feels too good to be true, but Iām just savoring it right now.
It's amaaazing how much just a few simple exercises and stretches can help... I'm so glad you're enjoying that feeling, Katie āŗļø
I live in the Northeast in the US and we had a HUGE storm over the weekend. I bought a sled and went sliding down our small hill on our deadend road!! I'm 63 years old and laughed like a kid. I didn't really go very fast but my neighbor said she got a good laugh watching me slide past her house.
Oh my gosh, this made me smile just READING about it, Kathleen! I love that you bought a sled! Weeeeee š·āļø
My light news: I was able to experience the Monks Walk for Peace close to where I live -- The Monks started some 90 days ago in Texas and are on their way to Washington DC. It was a very touching experience to witness their dedication to peace and the effect it had on the people that watched and also attended the 1 hour talk one of the monks gave.
Wow, that sounds like such a moving experience, Elke. Thank you for sharing āŗļø
Loved this one, Cait!
My light news for this month is that I took a humor writing workshop and found it so amazingly helpful for processing some things that have taken up residence in my mind. what a relief to know there's another way to work through the things that weigh us down :)
Movies I've loved in the last few years are a few oldies - The Long Goodbye, Rear Window, My Man Godfrey; and some newer ones - Anatomy of a Fall, Blow the Man Down. I've been loving films as both an escape from the world and a way to understand the world better.
Humor writing! Oh my gosh, how fun is that! And thanks for the list of movies, Kelsea! Neat to see a mix of oldies and newer ones āŗļø
The weather in the PNW this winter has been incredibly mild and dry, which means Iāve had so many beautiful, sunny hikes that are usually not available this time of year. As a sharp contrast to the mood of the country, theyāve been such a gift and lifeline. š
A gift and lifeline indeed, Eden! Enjoy the weather, and the movement in nature! (I'm ready for this rainy season to end anytime...!)
My light news: I started reading some Fantasy books this month! This is a genre that I've tip toed around for some unknown reason. I ran across Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree at my local library and now I'm finishing up the third in the series. I believe it's considered "Cozy Fantasy" or "Low-stakes Fantasy". Either way, I will count them as a good introduction to the fantasy world and one that I have enjoyed thoroughly!
Ohhh I've seen those books too and wondered about them! So cool to hear you've enjoyed them, Effie!
Thank you Cait for a peek inside all the lovely little lights in your world! I have found Train Dreams on Netflix and made note of the others listed here! My light is about community! I have been in ED recovery for 4 years and made a connection in an online community with a brilliant woman in Ottawa! Although we have never met in person we are a daily support to each other through emails and weekly we have do art therapy together! Each week we meet on zoom and take turns offering prompts. We chat while we create art and then share at the end! This week is my turn and you won't believe my prompt...What makes you feel light?! I have marked passages in Katherine May's wintering to share aloud for inspiration. Although the winter this year has been particularly harsh I do try to live by this mantra...if only we look for...the light! So glad the birdies are being looked after by you too! They know you are a light!š„°š„°ššš¤š¤
Your connection sounds both wholesome AND fun, Michelle! I can imagine you reading out loud and then painting āŗļø
Honestly my chats with you have been my light news.
Well, that's always nice to hear, friend. Reading your stuff has definitely LIT me up! š„
My favorite movie is actually a PBS Masterpiece Theatre mini series Jane Eyre starring Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens. J.E. is my favorite book as well.
For light news, my grandson started crawling and he is so so happy. He's 7 months old and when you walk into a room (even if you've just stepped out to let the dog back in) he raises his arms, smiles and Heyyyyy! Honestly, without him, I believe I would be in total despair over the state of my country (USA).
Thank you for your thoughtful writing, as always, Cait.
Thank you for painting such a sweet image of your grandson for us, Sylvia! I can see why he'd be the light in your life right now. My nephew is 6 months old and VERY close to crawling. I can't wait to discover the next version of who he's becoming, when I go back for my next visit ā¤ļø
It's been a beautifully slow January, which was my intention. In the PNW, we've had so many sunny days in a row, a rarity in this part of the country, that I've gotten outside daily to enjoy the weather. I do miss the clouds a bit, as that's the norm for this time of year, but I believe they'll make their appearance soon. I've been noticing all the birds around the house, there's even a pair of great horned owls hooting back and forth to each other!
Oh wowww, the owls! That's so cool, friend! I hear lots of from our house too... but never see them! So glad to hear you've had the slow month that you wanted āŗļø I'm ready for February to be more of the same, then maybe start doing a few more things in March!
This is not going to sound like light news but my job drastically changed a couple weeks ago. It was a tough go of it last week but this week, I feel like Iām getting the hang of it & enjoying the challenge. I am behind on everything but talking through it with my counselor yesterday was so helpful. I was so bored previously and had not told anyone. Itās been a busy January acclimating but Iām actually thinking Iām much happier!
Happier = definitely light news, Heidi! Congrats on the new challenge āŗļø
Hey Cait, you have mentioned possibly working on book three and that has got me interested to read the first two after being a reader of your Substack for a few years. I am in the first chapters of TYOL and I already know I will enjoy reading it. After a chapter I go and read your chapter reflection you did couple years back here. I am enjoying reading it like this! My recent favourite movie is the Sentimental Value. The raw portrait of family relationships and dynamics. Pfew, tears were teared. And to finish this reflection of small everyday joys. For this month it has been cross country skiing and skitouring while the snow lasts in my corner of the world and much slower work pace. āļø
I love that you're going back and forth like that, Michaela! Wonder what will stand out for you, as you do that... I've still never been cross-country skiing, but your mention of it made me miss snowshoeing! Things you don't really get to do in the UK, haha. Glad you're enjoying the snow! Oh and I'm adding Sentimental Value to my list!
This was really comforting to read, Cait. Thanks for making space for lightness without pretending things arenāt heavy.
My light news from January: slower mornings, fewer plans, and realizing how much relief there is in not trying to optimize everything right now.
Yes yes yes to all of that, Mara!
It is better to light a candle then to curse the darkness. I canāt remember who said this but I remember my fave high school teacher quoting this. The world is hard and heavy and dark and I want to remember drinking the worst tasting rum punch I have ever had in Catherineās bar - a set for the show Death in Paradise - in Guadalupe (I use the term drinking very liberally here). I want to remember riding a Segway down a beach in St. Lucia. I want to remember the faces of the monkeys we say. I want to embrace all the time a cat sat on my lap, the warm fire, all the books. I am hopefully that our shared humanity can help us all navigate the challenges we face and we can all still find the small joys.
Ahhh yes... I think it's one of those quotes that has been credited to many people! Beautiful. And I want you to remember all of these things too, Kristen!