I listened to your story from the back porch of my childhood home, gazing out into the woods that once provided a safe place for me. In the woods, I felt confident and strong- a builder, explorer, scientist… When I returned home, I once again felt small, ashamed, and insignificant. Which version was the real me?
I think you ARE a builder, explorer, or scientist. You just couldn’t tap into that confidence indoors and in the throes of real life maybe. We are meant to be outdoors more often than most of us are—there we can take in the natural sights & beauty that feeds our soul and builds us up. I like to think that’s when we can be our most authentic self. Anytime one feels small or insignificant, rather than free, that cannot be the real person at the core—that’s just not how we were designed.
I love the audio version. Thanks for giving the reader a little extra dimension to your beautiful short stories. They bring back so many memories of my own childhood.
Well-written, and well spoken. The ending is a splash of perfect. You allow the listener/reader to be there with you with the trees. I guess you make the point that, sometimes one has to "let go" in order to make progress in this life. You did.
Beautiful and powerful, Shell. 💛
Thank you. That really means a lot to me.
I listened to your story from the back porch of my childhood home, gazing out into the woods that once provided a safe place for me. In the woods, I felt confident and strong- a builder, explorer, scientist… When I returned home, I once again felt small, ashamed, and insignificant. Which version was the real me?
I think you ARE a builder, explorer, or scientist. You just couldn’t tap into that confidence indoors and in the throes of real life maybe. We are meant to be outdoors more often than most of us are—there we can take in the natural sights & beauty that feeds our soul and builds us up. I like to think that’s when we can be our most authentic self. Anytime one feels small or insignificant, rather than free, that cannot be the real person at the core—that’s just not how we were designed.
Tears for your trees and you. I love looking up too
Such a good perspective! ❤️ that you have a tree loving grand daughter too!!
I love the audio version. Thanks for giving the reader a little extra dimension to your beautiful short stories. They bring back so many memories of my own childhood.
Thank you for saying so. That is one goal—to awaken memories for my readers.
I love the metaphors you used in this piece. I too am a tree hugger I would have a hard time saying goodbye.
🌳🌲🌲🌳
Well-written, and well spoken. The ending is a splash of perfect. You allow the listener/reader to be there with you with the trees. I guess you make the point that, sometimes one has to "let go" in order to make progress in this life. You did.
And I love your phrase there: “a splash of perfect.” Thank you so much. Might want to use that somewhere. 😉