Letters to Abbeylon

Just want to leave you a word of encouragement as you explore new ways to express yourself online. Sounds super! I love the idea of 'real time' letters versus the quick 'online' sorts. Folks have gotten to used to doing everything so fast, that I think some of the charm of life is dwindling.

I applaud you in this, and hope you find a fit that suits you.

And about you responding to what I write here in your comment section, please know that I want it to be easy for you. No response is fine. Very fine! It's so much work for you to keep checking back, I'd think.

So for now, thanks for keeping us informed of your life changes. Sounds as if you're on the right track.

You inspire me. Truly you do.

With much love...
 

I echo what Melissa has said here it sounds a lovely way to respond to your posts. I agree that sometimes in Blogging we feel we must make instant responses to a post that might though it might truly take a while to sink in and take root. I've read posts that haven't borne fruit (as it were) until weeks after I read them. I can ponder things for ages.
 

I think this is a thoughtful and intelligent response to one of the major problems of blogging, that is the time it takes to absorb posts which are read. My reaction to blog posts spinning around my head was take snap at my kids and close down my blog! Your idea is wonderful as it still honours the valuable friendships which are formed and the wonderful insight others may have on any subject whatsoever.

This is "Slow Blogging" Wendy, and it could be blogging at its best! Well done!

Peace

Natalie
 

I love Natalie's expression "slow blogging" - we don't have to be the fast-food (blog) generation.
 

Hi hon,

I left a comment in regards to this over at preparing for tea time. I wanted you to know that so you would know I have visited you, because I love to do so! God bless you today and Always..
 

You're not alone, Wendy, and this is something I'm exploring in my own life (will be blogging about soon, I think).

You might be interested if you haven't already heard of the "Slow Movement" which aims to act as an antidote to our instant society and explore the sort of issues you raise. You can see their site at: http://www.slowmovement.com/index.php

Happy Sabbath.
 

Tried to post to you yesterday, but dial-up can be so frustrating.

Thank you so much for listing me too for the Thinking Bloggers Award. I feel so confused so much of the time, and to think that anything I say as I'm 'learning' is helping someone is amazing.

Hey, rest and enjoy your day. If you're anything like me, anxiety can weigh a person down, and I have to constantly shove it aside.
 

Enjoying reading your post today, but so sorry about the computer. Just having a routine messed up like can rattle a person's cage.

And being alone, for you know, is an added challenge. Would certainly be for me.

Enjoy reading 'Pilgrim's Inn' again. Have you read her book, 'The Rosemary Tree'? I just love that one...the children (esp. one little girl) are so appealing. And E. Goudge's books are always so relaxing---soothing, even.

Take care, friend and hope you enjoy today.
 

What a wonderful idea! I adore blogging but it does often seem like a rat race to write and post and comment.

From one introvert to another, I will be watching with interest.

Hope your computer situation improves.

Here it is raining. I hear the pitter patter on the outside of my window air conditioning unit.

Peace,

Sarah Louise
 

I love the synchronicity of the blogging world. I keep meaning to ask you if you've read Elizabeth Goudge's books, as I thought you'd really enjoy them, and then up pops your post about Pilgrim's Inn, my favourite (which is called The Herb of Grace in the UK publication). You might enjoy her book The White Witch. It raises(although in the 17th century) some of the issues that you occasionally refer to from your own past.

I'm sorry to hear about your computer as well. There are companies that can retrieve information from dead hard drives, but they are often expensive...
 

Dear Wendy,
I hope you see this. I just read your last post and I have prayed for you. I am sorry you are suffering so much right now and I wish I was there to take you out somewhere into the fresh air and make you feel better. Thinking of you..
 

Hey sweet friend. Just wanted to tell you that I was really touched by your April New Moon post. You say you don't have words, but you do every time. You're such a tender heart.

And btw, my post is up too. And on time. I'm surprised at myself. :)
 

I'm not sure if I'm in the right place...just wanted you to know I'm praying for soft hearts in neighbors, and a miracle in your body, for healthy vulnerability, friend. (((Wendy)))
 

Hi Wendy my love letters post is now up.
 

Hello Wendy, I am pleased to finally say that my Love Letter post is up although somewhat obscure it is finished. I am slowly emerging from a cascade of "have-to-dos" a) for my sanity and b) because they really had to be done.

So much happening with you, and I have been wanting to tell you that you have been in my prayers re: fumes and home and abbey and computer and for general bliss. Super glad to hear that the computer was back up and running, David was sad to hear it wasn't working, his words being "Oh ... I can't fix that.(sign)" with accompanying downcast face.

I am behind in reading some posts, but am looking forward to diving in soon. And I love the new commenting idea.

peace go with you, Krina
 

Hi Wendy,

Thank you for sharing your story and memory that "opened" you to enter the abbey. I love the image, it is a powerful symbol. The beauty in God's grace, in how his love leads us gently...how he works in all things. Especially, those events we find are not in our plans.

I am glad you shared this memory, it is beautiful, rich and inspiring.

Thanks for the link to my little shop, that is very kind of you.

Much happiness, peace and love, (If you want you can add this or part of this email in the comment section to the post about the chapel. I didn't know where it was best to leave it?)

Corey

(http://willows95988.typepad.com/)
 

Dear Wendy,

I am glad to hear that your cave day has helped to replenish you. I am sorry I haven't been around to visit lately, but regardless you are still in my thoughts. Have a blessed weekend.
 

Hi Wendy

Happy May Day to you and here's copy of the May Day Carol!

May Day Carol

I've been a-wandering all the night
And the best part of the day
Now I'm returning home again
I bring you a branch of May

A branch of May, my love, I say
Here at your door I stand
It's nothing but a sprout, but it's well budded out
By the work of the Lord's own hand

Take a bible in your hand
And read a chapter through
And when the day of judgment comes
The Lord will think of you

In my pocket I've got a purse
Tied up with a silver string
All that I do need is a bit of silver
To line it well within

My song is done and I must be gone
I can no longer stay
God bless you all both great and small
And send you a joyful May
 

Hi Wendy, it seems your blog sabbatical is just starting as mine is ending :)

Always in my prayers.

Hugs n' love Sarah
 

Blogger crashed with my last comment...I'll try again in case it got lost...

Your blog sabbatical is beginning just as mine is ending. Hope you have a blessed time away from the computer.

Always in my prayers.
Hugs n' love
Sarah
 

Hey sweetie. I've also cut back on some things lately, and it's so refreshing. Life can bog us down and then it's almost impossible to feel relaxed unless we pull away.

Take care of yourself. And try to find some time to play. Do you hear?!! :)
 

Thank you for sharing you dream with us. I find my dreams are often very important. They've been prophetic too. I ignore them at my peril.

As always, your sweet spirit inspires us all. We can start the Slow Blog Movement (like the Slow Food Movement). Unfortuntely, I have to do other things with my blog. But I can come here for a contemplative breather, right?
 

Interesting ...

So you've flown the coup, Madame Bluebird, to "Abbeylon" and have a page devoted to comments. But you seem to have stopped making your own comments which saddens me a bit.

But I love the new format, and the post immediately previous to your current one. Be well!
 

I have so deeply appreciated the kindness and caring and depth of prayers in "blog world".

I agree Wendy - hugs.
 

Dear Wendy. Thanks for this beautiful post and for taking part in the Caring Rose Day.
A link to your blog is now up in mine.
 

First off, I do love your mailbox. It's so charming and the only one I know of like it!

Now, to your topic about finding balance...I understand what you mean about the hidden life. The odd thing about blogging is that it's like we're on this soapbox surrounded by all sorts of folks, some we'd probably not even want to be around in real life. Maybe that's a bit extreme, but it's true that we never know who's lurking.

I try to imagine that only people I 'know' are reading what I write, or pretend that it's just me that's reading it.

But like you I do find it restful to be hidden at times. The focus then is on the real-life things and these strange happenings online just pass to the background.

But being hidden to other things is good too, not just avoiding the Internet at times.
 

Hi Melissa, Very true, it's broader than that for sure. And i did mean a broader hidden life...not just hidden from the "fishbowlness of the internet" but from the chaos that can pull you away from a sense of center and focus, whereever that is. Seeking balance here is a bit elusive it seems so far, for me anyway. And actually one reason i love visiting your blog is that despite the demands of your busy life, you feel to intuitively find the balance somehow, like a rower sensing the balance needed on a boat to keep its equillibrium.

Thank you for what you said about the "mailbox" too. Your sweet words are always so comforting : )

Paix, Wendy
 

You know, when I first began reading your blog, I thought you WERE a mother. Something was (is)nurturing, thoughtful about you. I agree with the woman you met in your twenties - it's there. And it is a gift. (((Wendy)))
Happy (belated) Mama's day, Wendy. Thank you for being nurturing and thoughtful in your own way...towards me.
 

How are you finding the mailbox Wendy? Because after all it is your blog. I think that whatever you decide to do it has to be whatever you will enjoy and be comfortable with. Same with the Love letters from God posts, maybe take a break from them for a month and decide whether you miss them or not?

Hugs n' blessings.
 

I think your solutions about finding balance within the blog world are creative and sensitive. I like your mailbox, but like Sarah says "do you?". I also think the Love Letters from God blog is lovely, but is it something you like and want to keep? You're so kind and sensitive Wendy, and are always thinking about your readers, but I think you should do what you think is sound and best, do what works for you and we'll carry on reading.

Peace

Natalie
 

I like all the changes!

I really like the daily prayer sections, something I'm trying hard to incorporate into my days.
 

Hi Bluebird,
I've tagged you for a meme, "Seven Things About Myself" ~ only if and when it fits your new pace. Thanks for lifting up a sense of boundaries in reading, writing,and responding to blogs - blessings on your space and thyme.
Redbarn
 

My love letters post is up.

Hugs, M
 

I wasn't sure with the changes if you were still posting the love letters, but then I saw and read and so my post is up.

The new set up is so apt and reflective of everything you write about. The "shared solitude" thread strikes a real chord with me. Thank you for sharing it.

So much like water, your post, water in all its facets and moods.

peace be with you Wendy, and thank you for braving a new path

Krina
 

Hi Wendy
I've been meaning to give you this link for ages, you probably know about the Iona Community already, but if not, go and visit them, I think they're right up your "abbey" (excuse the pun).
http://www.iona.org.uk/
I think what you say in your recent "Love Letters" post is key. The key to contentment is about striking a balance, understanding the boundries we ourselves have and the boundries of those around us. I also think when life goes too fast it can be rather over-whelming, however, it is difficult to find balance in such a frantic world. I too think that sometimes a complete withdrawal is the answer, and to be honest *sometimes* it is...we all need times of absolute peace and contemplation, yet many of us won't admit it as a need for quiet is represented by modern culture as a faling, when indeed it is simply a basic human need...introverts needing a quiet,private space more than extroverts perhaps. Think of how many times people went off by themselves in the Bible.

However, a need for community is also very basic. From an early age, even the shyest of us feel a need for human interaction. This is perhaps best illustrated by the fact that even the most contemplative orders live in a community. So how do we find a balance? I don't really know, but listening to our basic instincts helps, letting the "small, still voice" guide us, and as long as we are honest and clear about our intentions to those who care for us a time of solitude (or conversly busy-ness) will not upset them. The Quaker testimonies are very grounding for me when I feel off-kilter:

Peace Truth Simplicity Equality Earth

I hope this helps

Peace
Natalie
 

Hi Wendy
Long time reader, first time commenter. Just wanted to wish you all the best in your search for a new home.
Tania
 

Hi Wendy,

A home for Wendy - it is on my prayer list. So sorry to hear you have to move again so soon.

Your writing about "everything stays the same" brings Eccliasiastes to mind for me. In that everything is the same through all time -- "nothing new under the sun" these words certainly brings balance to my thinking much of the time.

Also connects to my recent reading of T.S. Eliot's Four Quartets, similar themes etc.

The "home longing" I understand both in the here and now sense and also in the "longing for home" sense, that care-fully crafted created just for me home.

Random observances here, thanks for your thoughts as always.

peace be with you, Krina
 

I will add your intentions to my nightly Rosary. Hmmmm. Maybe I should send you my St. Joseph statue? LOL! :)
We thought we were going to be moving this summer but it turns out we're staying here.
Anyhoos, will be praying 4 your miracle.
 

Happy Whitsun to you. You're in my thought and prayers.

Peace

Natalie
 

Wendy

I am absolutely amazed that you found the extract by accident. That is my favourite extract in the whole book. It's what I aspire to. Peace, simplicity, love, that little household represents the things I love and if I can create it in my own home I'll be one happy mama!

Peace

Natalie
 

PS. I noticed you link to the Andrew Lang fairy books...guess who collects old editions? My DH! You'd get along with him like a house on fire!
 

I got lost again Wendy!!
I will eventually get the hang of this, where to comment.
You just put a beautiful post on that showed an open gate going into a home and a picture of different colored stones, and the meaning of these colors.
Really nice, but now I have to move on!
This time I won't close the site to come back on again!...Love Terry
 

Wow, Wendy, you've delved deeper into Snowden's works than I have - and now I really want to read some more!

Kevin bought me my "Woman's Book of Prayers" at a church yard sale years back, and I only recently pulled it out again. But it seems that every day, I find something very specific to where I am.

Thank you for sharing more of her writing!
 

Oh my it took me ages to find where your new posts are. I kept looking at the Bluebird site. Lol.

Are you moving? I saw some comments something about Alaska??

Blessings.
 

Hi Sarah,

You arent the only one that got confused, sorry about that. Posting still is on the Bluebird site--the title of the blog changed but the site address didnt. On that main page it will always open up to now, just press the second link down, the green one that says "a moving stone: updates". I keep that link updated so it goes to the current month. So thats still the main blog. And then theres occasional posting at Table Tales and the moonth-ly posting at Love Letters From God.

About Alaska, its where i wanted to move, but doesnt seem to be coming together yet. I have to move somewhere becuase it turns out trailers are against city codes in this neighborhood (geesh, who knew?) but i will likely just have to move elsewhere in Oregon for now, Alaska not till later. The reason for wanting to move to Alaska is my partner is now working there half the year.

Hope alls well with you Sarah : )

Paix,

Wendy
 

"Christ not expecting us as women to be men..."


Oh, I love this sentence! It just rang so true inside of me when I read it now!

I enjoyed reading your new posts and I've spend some time this weekend reading through some of your older posts too. I am really enjoying reading about your story, your journey. Thank you so much for sharing. How do you find such lovely images to illustrate your lovely posts?

Carol
(who used to be a xanga and then was blogging as "peppermint pearl" for awhile, then xanga again, and is now permanently blogging (one hopes)at Chez Moi.)
 

Thanks Wendy, I hope you find somewhere nice to move.

Regarding your recent post about beautiful useful and meaningful objects. I love colour, I like to surround myself with colourful objects. Most of my items are gifts, things the children have made, paintings by my Nan...but once in a while I do buy something new, mass produced and not very useful just because I can't walk past the colour of it! LOL.

My Grandma recently said how warming our house was with the colours. I think it's because I love mediterranean type colours perhaps? I dunno. I think our kitchen with the yellow walls and azure blue tiles make it pretty clear! ;)

I think the thing about art is how it makes us feel, the memories it evokes, etc. I don't think it necessarily has to be meaningful in itself, but just makes us feel a certain way or maybe reminds us of something. I have a picture of a doorway in front of me right now, the picture isn't of anything I know or anywhere I've been its a mediterranean style colourful picture of a door with steps leading up and I love it, the colours the shadows, I can almost feel the sunshine on my back. It's just warming, you know?

I don't like the show home look though, some people like to decorate their houses in the latest fashion. The latest thing right now is all beiges, browns etc, light coloured birch wood and I dislike it greatly.

Just some thoughts.

Hope the fumes situation has settled and that you are having no more computer issues. Hugs.
 

Wendy, your posts are always so peaceful. I love coming by. Should do it daily. Blessings!
 

My love letter is posted.

But more importantly, Hello! You snuck in a bunch of posts when I wasn't paying attention (busy silly me) and now I have to catch up. Not a bad problem to have, I must say.

peace be with you, Krina
 

Hi Kim,

I dont know how else to reach you except to respond here. Just wanted to let you know i miss your old blog, used to love visiting. If/when a new one starts it would be wonderful if you might leave a comment here. Or maybe it will come up under your profile when/if its up. Anyway, wanted to let you know you are indeed missed : ) Though i really do understand the need for pulling back on blogging or shifting things.

Thank you for saying you find visting here peaceful Kim, that really means a great deal to me. Look forward to when i can enjoy visiting you again too...

Paix,

Wendy
 

From Kim:

Awww, thanks Wendy. How sweet of you to say those things! I'm not really planning to blog again, but never say never, I guess, right? For now, I feel it's right for me to stop.

You can find me at (this e mail was edited out when posted in case you want to keep it private, i havent had a chance yet to ask you : ) )
 

I was thinking about your post on highly sensitive people. It linked somehow back to my teaching days. I did a little post graduate work on under achieving boys. Boys who were disruptive and couldn't concentrate in the classroom. I thought then, and do now, that the answer wasn't making the classroom experience more exciting for them but less exciting for them. All of these boys were over stimulated. I firmly believe that some (but not all) boys are very sensitive to electronic media and disruptive or loud home environment. To get my disruptive boys to work, they needed absolute peace and quiet and a stiff routine. They needed less dynamic teaching not more dynamic teaching.

I know your post was about a female experience of HSP, but could it be that a lot of young men's misbehaviour is due to a masculine reaction to a world at odds to their own sensitivity?

This world is far too fast for a lot of people.

Peace
Natalie
 

Hi Natalie,

I definitely agree. Higher sensitivity nervous systems are found in both men and women, and also in both introverts and extroverts. Its so amazing how our standard reaction, not only in education but in general life, is often to try and solve things by making things more "dynamic", more stimulating, more active. Some folks really do need that but others need the exact opposite really.

Your teaching experience reminds me of my partner's young school days. He was one of those "disruptive boys" in his class, and he is definitely HS (highly sensitive nervous system). I wish a teacher back then would've understood how he was being driven to disrupting becuase things were just coming too fast at him. I'm sure you helped the boys under your care so much with your understanding there Natalie : )

Paix,

Wendy
 

Hi Wendy, I've just received your lovely gift in the post today. It was so kind of you. Thank you! Hugs. Sarah
And of course I'll still be visiting your blog!
 

Hi Sarah,

Glad you liked it! And I really do hope you and your family find the right media balance, sounds so on the right track : )

Paix,

Wendy
 

Well wasn't I surprised with my little find in the mail today :)) Such a sweet little gift, thank you. Then to find a nest inside with all those little birds -- little harbingers of the holy spirit nestled up just so.

I can't get them out of my head -- I forsee a little project in the wind.

Thank you again Wendy -- my girls are very enthralled with the birds as well -- they are chirp chirping in my ears right now.

prayers for a new home still in mind, along with a call for calm in the eye of the storm.

-Krina

- Krina
 

Hi Krina,

I'm so glad you like it! Its (ahem) a very belated Easter gift. And lets see, you recieved it on the feastday of St Thomas now : ) Can't wait to hear more on your project in the wind, but most of all i wish i could hear the little girlie-birds chirping : )

Paix,

Wendy
 

Life without Gloves, what a poetic title and post. I wonder if there is a larger metaphor here? Do you spin out dream images? Just write Life without Gloves and circle it and then write down your associations in spokes around the circle and when you feel a strong energy, then that might be a clue to the meaning of the dream TO YOU.

Sounds like the name of a short story or a novel.

Prayers as you prepare for marriage and moving. And finding the right shoes.
: )
 

Hi Virginia,

I did the spinning out thing you suggested, that was a great idea. What came up was that not having the full gloves also feels connected with my growing up not having the full headship (father stuff etc), that missing protection/foundation. The elder women in the dream were very firm about me learning the dance anyway even though i didnt have the full gloves. Im finding that comforting. Like it might also mean the dance of marriage and such can still succeed even with the wounded past (the missing gloves/foundation that the others around me seemed to have in the dream that i didnt.) We STILL were all learning the same dance.

You nudged me deeper here Virginia. You have a habit of doing that, AND its such a blessing : ) Hope you have a happy fourth!

Paix,

Wendy
 

I thought of this when I was reading your 3rd most recent post (lol does that make sense?)

9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 1 Corinthians.

It is hard not to try to become 'perfect', we know that Jesus admonished us to be perfect as our Father in Heaven is perfect. But our perfection, our sanctification only comes through Jesus Christ. That is why we are accepted by God because of Jesus' atoning sacrifice on the cross. So WE can't do ANYTHING to be perfect just as you said in your post and it is pointless to try. I believe it's all about giving our lives to Christ who covers our sins and makes us acceptable before God. We are covered by His perfection. Because we are covered by His perfection God only sees Jesus when we looks at us. Jesus was perfect therefore before God we become perfect (even though we are sinful creatures, Christ has made us clean).

Do I sound confusing. Just thinking it through in my comment.

Blessings.
 

Just re-read my comment I sound confusing.

Here's a scripture that I recently read where Paul shows that we cannot become perfect by the Law (works) but only through the atoning sacrifice of our great High Priest Jesus Christ:

11Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12But when this priest [Christ] had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. 13Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, 14because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

15The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says:
16"This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds." 17Then he adds:
"Their sins and lawless acts
I will remember no more." 18And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin. 19Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Amen! What freedom! Christ has taken away that burden from us. God not only takes our sins away but remembers them no more!!

What a God.

Hope you are well, your thoughts always set me off thinking deeply about things.

Hugs.
 

Dear Wendy,
Thank you so very much for your most thoughtful gift. It was very lovely to receive your package when I picked up my mail from our vacation yesterday. You are very sweet and gracious.
Blessings, Christine
 

Hi Christine,

Glad you liked it and i hope Ireland was just magical : ) Wendy
 

I loved you Independance Day post! You really are a very deep thinker and writer. I love the way you wrote about codependance and the Vine. Gorgeous!
 

Happy New Moon Wendy

My letter is up, in its half composed and thought out way.

blessings, Krina
 

So very glad to see your postings again. I really enjoyed your new moon-thly thoughts!
 

I agree with Melissa---'the charm of life is dwindling' how interesting to introduce 'slow blogging'...I will be thinking about that today.

Many blessings...
 

I borrowed an Alison Krauss album off my Dad and enjoyed it greatly. I'd like to hear the song you quote :)

Hugs.
 

Hi Sarah,

I really like her too Sarah, The Scarlett Tide is here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1eiRnCB3sg

though its part of a video, but you could always minimize the screen and just listen to it to....

Peaceful Week : ) Wendy
 

Your *you*-ness. I love it.

The silence you crave - think you that the Father wants to be heard in your life? I do - and I think He is.

Thank you for sharing yourself.
 

Thats a lovely way to look at the silence longing Elise : )
 

I hate, HATE to talk on the phone. I always let the answering machine pick it up first. If its somebody I really want to talk to, I'll pick up, but usually I wait and call them back. Or if they don't tell me why they are calling, I just don't return the calls. Yes, it drives some people in my life just CRAZY, but those are the ones who would tend to drive ME crazy if I didn't limit my contact with them.

I have reoccurring nightmares of a knock at the door or a doorbell ringing. They jolt me out of my sleep even. Weird. I'd never really thought much of it before.

I am also hyper-sensitive to sound. Not so much my own household noises, those I get used to, but other peoples noise just drives me batty. It can make me physically sick sometimes. Barking dogs or thumping music just rattles me so much. People who don't have that issue just don't seem to understand how bad it can be.
 

Its so true Carol, folks who dont have the same sensitivity just really dont seem to undertstand it so often. I used to try and explain and sometimes just give up. Now that i found out they have actually done studies on it and theres a word for it (those with highly sensitive nervous systems) i try and point out links, like these:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highly_sensitive_person

http://www.hspsurvival.com/

Folks seem to understand it a bit better when its spelled out like that, when they understand some folks REALLY ARE "wired" quiet differently. The interesting thing is its a trait in nature too--some animals share this too.

I try and explain its also the suddenness that cant be handled, that things must be planned. Someone popping by and doing their even friendly banging the door is a hue jarring, but someone planning ahead with you so you kmow they'll be by, well thats a pleasure then. The planning vs surprises with things is the key i think. From the second link:

"The highly sensitive person is someone whose nervous system is so acutely attuned that loud noises, crowds, busy streets, stress and even powerful aromas provide too much stimulation. It can be like living in a state of agitation, of listening to the sound of fingernails being dragged across the blackboard for hours at a time...

It is the unexpected that can create discomfort, Zeff says. Driving in a car, on a quiet residential street, one probably wouldn't expect a car to pull alongside and start blasting the stereo or honking the horn.
Zeff recalls a peaceful moment in Hawaii, where he was surrounded by lush foliage. His tranquillity was shattered by a cell-phone user who was shouting angrily about selling stocks. The reaction is more than just irritation. In the highly sensitive person, it is like a physical and emotional attack. It jangles the nerves and can trigger panic."

So i can definitely understand the thing about phones ringing and door knocking showing up in nightmares, i dont think its weird at all i think it makes total sense, it jars me too.

Blessed PEACEFUL Weekend Carol : ) Wendy
 

Wendy,
Thank you so much for those links about HSP. I've spend most of today reading and reading and reading. WOW! Its been eye-opening!

I really never considered myself HSP. I'd read a book several years ago about sensitive people and there was a self-test in it. I took it and I didn't score high enough to be considered (by the author anyways) HS. If that author didn't classify my as a HSP, then I wasn't, I was just odd and flawed and wrong.

It makes sense to me today. I make sense to me today. I've battled anxiety and depression for years. I was agoraphobic for years. I think the root of all of those issues is the sensitivity. It just makes soooo much sense now.

I don't want to go long too long in your comment box here, so I'll stop now. But, thank you so much for sharing your own stories and struggles online, you've helped me ALOT through doing so.

God BLESS you!!
 

Hi Carol,

Im smiling becuase i felt the ~~exact~~ same way when i learned about this stuff. First it was learning about intoversion from Myers Briggs, that was a huge relief, an "aha im not crazy im introverted" thing. Then it was the HSP thing bringing in more pieces to the puzzle.

The thing is, since the majority of folks are either extroverted or have just standardly sensitive nervous systems (or both), folks come to believe that extroversion and also less sensitive nervous systems are what we ALL should be like and they impose those standards on those who are not, and its also what our world it built to be catering to too. So then those who are introverted or HSP (or both) are fighting this invisible battle all the time just to be understood for who they are and to not be bleeping bomarded with "normal" (non HSP's normal) stuff that harms you when you are more sensitive. And its just not right.

What really moved me was the studies they did on animals, finding a similar percentage of animals with high sensitivty as there is in humans. That was just so comforting and vailidating, that its in nature too.

Its really heartened me to know that writing about the struggles ive had here has touched a chord, thank you for saying that. You are helping me too by sharing what you have gone through here. Its so good to know we arent alone in these things : )

A few bloggers who you might like, they talk either directly or indirectly about some of this stuff:

http://queenheroical.blogspot.com/
http://www.themothershour.com/teatime/
http://blog.ruralpeace.com/

Peaceful Weekned : ) Wendy
 

Your post about crucifixion reminded me of the Isaiah 53:5 verse:

"But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed."

Hugs
 

Hi Sarah,

Thank you for reminding of that, that verse is so powerful, so heroic..."by his wounds we are healed"...

Paix,

Wendy
 

Lol I just read your confessional post.

I love cats so much that i dont even mind their bad breath

Totally agree, it drives my hubby mad...he keeps fish and blames my cat everytime one dies.

I loved your post about charm, charm has a gentleness, modern society is often all about the 'Wow' factor, even holidays (vacation) aren't about rest they're about having the most amazing experience ever rather than just simply resting and being somewhere lovely.

Hugs.
 

My hubby would tell me to "Read about Saruman in the Silmarillion, dearest, you will see how technology can be twisted to evil." :)

The Father has an eye for charm, I think - the way the hummingbird lingers so miraculously in the air, dipping and drinking. The way flowers peek through their petal-lashes and trumpet praise heavenward - all brought Him some delight, I believe, when His penchant for charm spilled over into creation. It certainly takes my breath away.

Thank you, dear one.
 

Wendy I've been meaning to ask you, I read most of my blogs through bloglines because it stops me blog surfing and getting carried away. When I tried to add your blog it says that you don't publish a feed? Is this intentional?

Hugs.
 

Hi Sarah,

Yes... I did tiny little post on it here
http://thebluebirdofhappinesscomestotea.blogspot.com/2007/03/just-small-note.html

Hugs Back : ) Wendy
 

The link to coffee and a muffin didn't work. But I understand from the comments to your post it's because reading at bloglines and the such is too impersonal?

I totally understand. But, for me it helps manage my blogging time as I'm so busy. I do click the link to my friend's blogs nearly everytime :)

Blessings.
 

I can't believe I missed the new moon -- I am so sorry Wendy.

I am in the midst of planning school for the kids and lost all sense of time.

I am trying to bring together their schooling and a new home routine/schedule in hopes of creating a much more peaceful and productive home. Ideas you so often remind me of, help me return to -- thank you.

I will mark my calendar for next month, I do so enjoy participating.

blessing as always, Krina
 

Blessings to you too Krina. I always enjoy your posts so much, so i will miss them this moon, but i definitely understand the overwhelm. I hope things come together nicely with the routine...it feels to me like you keep building such nice solid healing layers of this : )

Paix,

Wendy
 

"...joy is like water, subtle yet deep, like water it seeks out the little openings in your life and seeps in to soften the edges there so you can suddenly deal with them better"

I love this. May I quote you on my blog? With credit, of course.
 

Hi Sabine,

Of course you can qoute it, i'd be honored...

Hope your day finds some joy finding its way under the edges : ) Wendy
 

Wendy, this won't be a very long one :)

I just read, at your profile, that you used to practice magic. So did I. In the past, I performed all sorts of weird rituals which give me the creeps today. I'm SO glad I'm over it.
 

Hi Anna,

I had no idea...in a way i'm not surprised though, Lewis used to say that pagans were pre-Christians really, that they most especially were the ones who had that great longing for a deep and magical life so needed but they were just looking in the wrong place...once they found that right place they were the ones that most easily converted, deep down it was what they had been looking for.

Ever notice the most Christian areas in the world were those previously the most Pagan...Ireland, Italy etc? No coincidence, a co-in-see-dance (God dancing with us).

Peaceful Weekend : ) Wendy

PS i actually did a post on this a long time ago, here:

http://thebluebirdofhappinesscomestotea.blogspot.com/2006/10/mere-and-dear-christianity.html

It's a long rambly one though. And the part one it links to talks also about this stuff a bit too