“The story of homecoming … as important as the diaspora…” Thank you for this language which pretty much sums up the theme of my getting-closer-to-finished memoir. Even though the diaspora and homecoming in my case, and for potential readers, refers to adoption, the internal worlds sing with resonance.
As do the redtails. One often claims a treetop corner of our wooded 2+ acres as signal perch and call. A joyful sound.
Oh, Mary Kate, I'm so grateful to know we're writing side by side, with our same-but-different stories! Wishing you all the best as you close in on the sweet state of "finished."
And my milk(nurture) family Mom’s paternal heritage goes back to a house at the foot of Cashel while my blood family Mother’s maternal line stretches deep enough into Armagh that the early records were lost when the cathedral was burned.
Though, true confession, I was much more at home when I was in Orkney than in Ireland. 60% Scots highland and Northumberland dna may account for some of that!
Hawk medicine, always hawk medicine. And lovingly informing people who declare "oh, look at those hawks!" that "actually, those are turkey vultures, and they have their own deep magic." (At our house, the TVs are known as "mom's friends"!)
Feeling this deeply, Marisa! Bringing me back to my return post-pilgrimage last year. What a mix of emotions. Looking forward to more of your reflections as you continue to integrate. THIS is so real and relatable. Go raibh míle maith agat - from a fellow Irish diaspora ox
Oh, so grateful to share this strange yet wonderful feeling with you, Sarah. I was up before dawn, working on what seems to be a series of poems about one particular experience. There is so much more to tell and explore.
I have lived in Australia for 35 years and have just returned from a 5 week visit to the U.S. where I was born. I My ancestry is deeply american, back to european ancestors coming over in the 1700's, and with native american ancestry on my mother's side. My connection to the land is deep. The longing for the Pacific Northwest can overcome me.
My home is in Australia, and I was worried how well I would adjust coming back. Your words are a help.
Danu, oh yes, how beautiful. Grateful for your honesty too Marisa around the tears. Sometimes life is just too much. I feel it too. Glad you are home xx
“The story of homecoming … as important as the diaspora…” Thank you for this language which pretty much sums up the theme of my getting-closer-to-finished memoir. Even though the diaspora and homecoming in my case, and for potential readers, refers to adoption, the internal worlds sing with resonance.
As do the redtails. One often claims a treetop corner of our wooded 2+ acres as signal perch and call. A joyful sound.
Oh, Mary Kate, I'm so grateful to know we're writing side by side, with our same-but-different stories! Wishing you all the best as you close in on the sweet state of "finished."
Thanks, Marisa. Side by side indeed.
And my milk(nurture) family Mom’s paternal heritage goes back to a house at the foot of Cashel while my blood family Mother’s maternal line stretches deep enough into Armagh that the early records were lost when the cathedral was burned.
Though, true confession, I was much more at home when I was in Orkney than in Ireland. 60% Scots highland and Northumberland dna may account for some of that!
Embracing homecoming to, and within, it all.
warmly,
MK
Why am I not surprised hawks are so meaningful for you? I loved reading this. Welcome back, and thank you.
I wish you could see my grin, Kara.
Hawk medicine, always hawk medicine. And lovingly informing people who declare "oh, look at those hawks!" that "actually, those are turkey vultures, and they have their own deep magic." (At our house, the TVs are known as "mom's friends"!)
Feeling this deeply, Marisa! Bringing me back to my return post-pilgrimage last year. What a mix of emotions. Looking forward to more of your reflections as you continue to integrate. THIS is so real and relatable. Go raibh míle maith agat - from a fellow Irish diaspora ox
Oh, so grateful to share this strange yet wonderful feeling with you, Sarah. I was up before dawn, working on what seems to be a series of poems about one particular experience. There is so much more to tell and explore.
Thank you for this.
I have lived in Australia for 35 years and have just returned from a 5 week visit to the U.S. where I was born. I My ancestry is deeply american, back to european ancestors coming over in the 1700's, and with native american ancestry on my mother's side. My connection to the land is deep. The longing for the Pacific Northwest can overcome me.
My home is in Australia, and I was worried how well I would adjust coming back. Your words are a help.
Zom, it means so much to hear how these idea translate to your own unique sense of home and away. Thank you so much for your reflections.
Danu, oh yes, how beautiful. Grateful for your honesty too Marisa around the tears. Sometimes life is just too much. I feel it too. Glad you are home xx