Go easy

We all need permission to take a break

It’s been a challenging week. And so, I’m giving myself permission to do what I’ve been counselling others to do: step back, breathe, restore, before trying to give more.

And in the spirit of learning to support each other—which sometimes begins with being willing to ask for help—this issue, I’m asking for your help in co-creating this e-newsletter. In the comments section of the web version of the e-newsletter , please share what’s helping you get through, what’s sparking your creativity, what’s bringing you joy. (If you’re reading in your email, just click on this post’s headline to access the web version, and then click on the comments button at the bottom.)

I’ll start:

• The joy of birds: I’ve never been much of a birdwatcher, but as I wander my quiet streets with Buddy on our daily walks, I find myself more and more intrigued by the neighbourhood birds. There is a trio of crows who argue every morning with another pair of crows, swooping and cawing at each other at the corner of my street. There is the cardinal, singing his lungs out as he tries to draw a mate. And there is a yellow flicker madly pecking at the shiny chimney inserts atop my neighbours’ homes: I’m not sure if he’s fuelled by a desire to fuck or fight, but he is bringing his A game to the peck-athon.

• An emerging clarity: I’m privileged to have ongoing work for a number of clients. But faced with the challenges inherent to our current situation—some of them amplifying longstanding frictions and frustrations—I am certain I’m not alone in thinking “If I were to catch a life-threatening virus tomorrow, is this how I would want to spend today?” Of course, in the absence of independent wealth, making those changes isn’t as simple as tossing what frustrates and opting for what delights. I’m not sure what the answer is on this one. But clarity is a good first step.

• Beauty, colour, art: Christi Belcourt’s beautiful work.

  Christi Belcourt @christibelcourt

  I could live a million years and never understand why some have wings, and some have fins, some fly in air and some soar on waves. I hardly knowing anything, except that while standing ar the shore in front of water, below fish swim in a freedom I can only dream of.

  

  My friend Marilyn Smulders’ spectacular quilts.

  ellemenotextiles

  

  All finished! #modernquilt #sewsolid #pineapplequilt @alisonglass

  April 5, 2020

  The inspiration of the Women’s Art Twitter feed.

  #WOMENSART @womensart1

  Jeanne Mammen (1890 - 1976), German painter and illustrator who captured the dancers and clientele of Berlin's cabaret scene in the Weimar period,1918-1933 #womensart

  

  

Obligatory photo of Buddy

Buddy says "Sometimes things are hard.”

Go easy on yourselves, friends. And share what’s getting you through in the comments section, to help all of us get through this together. Safe social distancing hugs to you all.

The stuff at the bottom

I’m a writer, editor and teacher. This is my personal e-newsletter on the craft of writing nonfiction, sprinkled with occasional feminism and social justice. You can find out more about me on my website at kimpittaway.com. You can also find me on Facebook and Twitter. I’m the executive director of the MFA in Creative Nonfiction limited residency program at the University of King’s College in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. If you’re interested in writing a nonfiction book, you should check our program out!