"The very idea of a bird is a symbol and a suggestion to the poet. A bird seems to be at the top of the scale, so vehement and intense his life. The beautiful vagabonds, endowed with every grace, masters of all climes, and knowing no bounds -- how many human aspirations are realised in their free lives -- and how many suggestions to the poet in their flight and song!" John Burroughs (1837 - 1921), Birds and Poets, 1887
The only way to deal with a seemingly inequitable world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion. I adamantly refuse to be caged by this illness that has tried to capture me, so I have started my very own rebellion!
As this personal rebellion gathers momentum, I shall close this blog for a little while in order to undergo the restoration, conservation and repairs which are required to (hopefully) eradicate this horrid scary monster. It is true isn’t it, that birds sing after a storm so there is no earthly reason why people shouldn’t feel as free to delight in whatever sunlight remains to them? That is what I’m determined to do.
Sizobonana, kwaheri, zbogom, auf wiedersehen, ciao, salám, na razie, au revoir and totsiens my lovely friends…..for now.
**Postscript: The 'Friendship' and 'Fish Trio' lino cuts I promised to send to those who wanted them are slowly being pulled, matted and mailed. Forgive delays, please - there have been so many unwelcome interruptions. If you've forgotten to send me your snail mail address and want one of the prints, please drop me an email**
tessa....
ReplyDeletehave no fear of tending, of going inward to the sun or to anywhere for that matter, because you exist and thrive in the heart of so many, certainly in my heart. there you have a place of permanence and prominence.
when you appear, i rejoice. and when you step back, i just carry you with me anyway. please do not think i am being flowery or literary, tessa: i mean every word.
please do NOT worry about matting and mailing my treasure from you. i have you nearby already, remember?
feel better, sister of my soul. i love you now and always,
♥
kj
Dearest Tessa, I will add my healing energy to your rebellion! Much love and strength! Silke
ReplyDeleteBIG WET JUICY KISS! You know that you are loved beyond measure- you are only a thought away, which means that you are beside me all of the time! I took you for a long walk yesterday, we found stuff- we did laugh especially while watching the babies in the splash pool in the park.Round bouncing glee!
ReplyDeleteLOVE YOU!
so much love and healing coming your way.
ReplyDeleteI have absolutely loved reading your posts. Sending positive, beautiful and sweet thoughts!
I will keep in touch via emails that you need not reply to!
ReplyDeleteSending all sorts of birdlike cheeps in your direction
wishing you fortitude and sending lots and lots of love
Hugs from NY
I'm joining your rebellion...I've got a pair of stompy boots and I'm a dab hand at making placards!!
ReplyDeleteSending lots of love your way
C x
I will miss your bright, colorful words and pictures. But hope that the sunny days you encounter will bring you joy and serenity.
ReplyDeleteBe blessed. Know peace.
Rebel away! And then come tell us about it in whatever way you can...
ReplyDeleteI am thrilled to see you "fight this war"....rebellion is GOOD! As much as I would love to have something from you.....it is more important that you gather up every ounce of energy and love from your family AND your blogging family and use it as your armour.
ReplyDeleteKnow that we all are thinking and praying for you.....we aren't going anywhere...and will still be here when you return to us.
A new friend - who thinks the world of you, DO NOT GIVE UP!
♥ Robin ♥
Tessa, I will be wishing and praying that your rebellion is as easy and successful as can be. Looking forward to reading your post-rebellion posts! xx
ReplyDeleteRebellion in the service of healing sounds like a magnificent plan! May you break through the encasement of this disease to a whole new level of being - well-being.
ReplyDeleteI will send you wholesome, rebellious thoughts across the miles and await your return.
That's the spirit! Looking forward to your new act.
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful words all have sent you. I do not know you except through your blog and your art, and that hasn't been very long, but I wish you all the healing possible and remember: The universe is full of abundance and abundance is your true nature.
ReplyDeleteTessa
ReplyDeleteI don't know if you have ever read my other blog but I had my own journey, and was fortunate. I love the idea of your own rebellion. Rebel away! I'm right there in the line with you. If you ever want a break in Wales, we are here and it would be a change from your own beautiful flat lands. xx
Sala khale dear heart. may you return renewed and re-energised.
ReplyDeleteTessa,
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I so admire your spirit, and the way you refuse to let this illness dampen its beautiful light even a tiny bit. It's inspiring and beautiful, and so very, very YOU! Take time. Renew. Heal. We will be waiting when you get back, happy to sing along with you again!
And, just in case it is a very long time, I want to say thank you...for simply sharing your gorgeous perspective on life. It renews me in a way and a depth that, in all honesty, you probably appreciate more than anyone I know, so I won't discredit you by saying that it's more than you understand.
With Many Thanks and Much Love,
Cindy
Dear Tessa, you wrote such strong words, full of courage and will to break the cage, but you and your family know best what hard times you had gone through... I do hope you will overcome the upcoming battle for your sunshine! I admire your willingness for rebellion. Go ahead! I'll be here, like the others, waiting for you with heart, full of love and support!!
ReplyDeleteI like so much the vivid colours of the drawing - YOUR colours, that enchanted me not so long ago!:-)
darlin', kick the SOB to the curb is my way of doing things and i've got a feeling it's much the same for you so go at it! scrape it back to the studs if you must, strip things to the very bone, harness all the love you have in that beloved life of yours and use it as your fuel in your warfare against the wretched enemy that lurks within--drag it out into the light, toast it in the sun, watching it shrivel and come apart, pieces blown away by the wind, never to return...we shall toast and laugh as you win, yes, i know i said win but that's because i don't believe in not winning, pure and simple philosophy methinks... and certainly, close the damn blog and take all the time you need to do the job right and it will take some time i'm sure... i am here, i love you and send it all to you on the wings of those little beloved creatures as they cross continents and oceans to be just birds with each other... such is nature, such is love, such is healing and you will be you again one day with nothing standing in your way and when you are once again, a whole you, i bet you take flight too, as light and as radiantly beautiful as the tiny, multi-colored hummingbird, and so off you will fly, heading off to parts unknown to you and what an exciting day it will be too ... amen.
ReplyDeletexxoo
Dear Tessa
ReplyDeleteI love your bright and sunny bird illustration - it really echoes your nature! Wishing you lots of brightness and sunshine to help you on your road to recovery. Of course we all look forward to your return but do all the time you need to fight the beast. Tot ziens! x
tessa, i can hardly add anything more to all these lovely comments. you are special and so loved. nothing is more important than your health, i wish all the lights shining towards you help in some way.
ReplyDeletelove you beautiful.
lori
Take care of yourself and I shall join your rebellion too, albeit in a slightly cyberspace capacity. Look forward to hearing more from you when the revolution is won.
ReplyDeleteMy heart is with you.
ReplyDeleteyou just fight away girlfriend - and try to feel all the loving support around you from this community - it will be there.
ReplyDeletewe will all be grateful when you return - and will think and pray and think again while you are gone. Much love, mim
Tessa, kwaheri rafiki. With mingi love, I am certain baada ya dhiki faraja!!
ReplyDeleteMy very dear friend, you know how my heart feels about you and that my thoughts are with you always. Love from Geli (and fly over to me when you can!)
ReplyDeleteBig love to you and I look forward to whatever you choose to share in the future.
ReplyDeletethinking of you with love and kindness
x robyn
Tessa, darling, I totally understand. Your health and your family are foremost. Please take care of yourself. TSUP! TSUP!!!
ReplyDeletea big big hug full of strength and hope to you Tessa - wow this artwork is breathtaking in its power!! all strength to you Tessa - thank you for your inspiration in every way xxxV
ReplyDeleteRestoration is good. It implies growth, change and development; an outward rebellion.
ReplyDeleteI am here, a pillar for you.
My healing prayers and love waves come to you across the Channel.
Please do not fret about sending your masterpieces. There are more urgent issues at hand! Besides, there's an Abruzzo landascape and a little boy on an elephant that constantly remind me of your talent...
I agree with all the comments thus far, and especially Lori ann's NOTHING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOUR HEALING. Rebel away.
Love you,
Lola
Rebel On!
ReplyDeleteReiki winging to you....always to you.
I think of you so very often!!!!
I'm all for rebellion, the bigger and louder the better! so, I send you strength and love, soul and star sister. find the light, soar, swoop and flourish in it. xxx
ReplyDeleteI hope your "personal rebellion" flies and you come back to us very much restored. I will miss your posts.
ReplyDeleteThe title of this post immediately reminded of Maya Angelou's autobiography & poem "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings". A partial bit of the poem follows:
A free bird leaps on the back of the wind
and floats downstream till the current ends
and dips his wing in the orange suns rays and dares to claim the sky.
But a bird that stalks down his narrow cage
can seldom see through his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied so he opens his throat to sing.
The caged bird sings with a fearful trill
of things unknown but longed for still
and his tune is heard on the distant hill
for the caged bird sings of freedom.
http://www.americanpoems.com/poets/Maya_Angelou/13474
May your heart and soul be filled with all the colors and life and verve that are in this picture today!
ReplyDeleteLike a bird on a wire, like a drunk in a midnight choir,
ReplyDeleteI have tried in my way to be free...
Leonard Cohen is who comes to my mind.
My wishes fly over to Great Snoring!
Goodness, I'm sorry I missed this post.
ReplyDeleteIt hurts to know you're having such a time of it. I know your spirit and will are stronger than the demons trying to take you down.
I'll send my prayers and blessings to you on a free bird's wings hoping they give you strength for your battle.
love,
Lolo♥
Hi Tessa. Hope you come back soon! I'm as usual, in a state of "Catch up" with blogs, and I was, as everybody else, very moved by your earlier post about your illness and the way you are living your life right now.. sending you lots of love and friendship from Africa xx
ReplyDeleteDearest Tessa,
ReplyDeleteA new friend, but a caring one....you have been silent for many days.....BUT, I KNOW you have a resilient heart and soul.... just want you to know that you are loved and admired. I have read many of your older posts....and it makes me regret we have not met sooner....still, we HAVE met.....and really, that is all that matters.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
♥ Robin ♥
Loving you.
ReplyDeleteM
Been away tending to family matters and just now stopped by.
ReplyDeleteKnow that I add my prayers and healing thoughts to those who have been wrapping you up in their thoughts and prayers already.
I will "see" you and your body as whole and strong and perfect. As it was and is intended to be. Hold on to those thoughts and images Tessa and really know that they are true.
You have a lot of support out in the world far reaching around the globe. I hope you feel it every day.
With love and sincerity,
Grace
look up tessa. i'm waving!
ReplyDeleteDear Tessa,
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking of you every day! I hope you are getting better and there're smiles on your beautiful face!...
how are you now tessa? it's 5 weeks since this post and i am starting to worry.
ReplyDelete"Make it so!"
ReplyDelete~ Jean Luc Picard