I've been contemplating suffering. I've been suffering pain in my body chronically for decades...my autoimmune system (has two diseases!) on high-alert for as long as I can remember...and more recently, a lower-back issue that's been on-and-off since 2022. The term 'comparative suffering' has been bopping around between my parts for years now too. I don't… Continue reading On Mandatory Suffering
Tag: journal
2025 – Journal, Seasons & Surrender
Twenty-twenty-five is here! What a year number. It feel very...Back to the Future...but, like, the future is here...and it's not like I thought it would be. I don't 'feel' like a new year has begun. I don't feel like I want to start new things or 'resolve' old things...even though there is a part that… Continue reading 2025 – Journal, Seasons & Surrender
Four Years, Solstice, Teeth, Tomorrow
Beautiful Maria Bison Today is four years since my beautiful Nonna passed away. I awoke feeling her spirit near. My mom sent me a text with the above photo included in it. This is one of our favourite photos of my Nonna. Can you see her gentleness, her curiosity, her love, her love, her love?!… Continue reading Four Years, Solstice, Teeth, Tomorrow
Poem 219 – Twenty-Seven-Page Journal Entry
Twenty-Seven-Page Journal Entry The mother of all journalsA mother writes in a journalJournals listen to mothersListening to mothers write is symphonicMothers sing a symphony of release when writing in journals
VANESSA SHIELDS 