May’s winding down. I’ve launched a passel of heart-wrung essays and poems into cyberspace and now await editors’ yeas or nays. Waiting. Waiting. Yes, I get twitchy.
“Good Spirit,” I prayed this morning, “have your way. And please, send a blog idea.”
A marmot arrived.
In our front yard.
- Think upsized squirrel, with teeth that keep growing
- Think savvy trickster with a droll silhouette
- Intrepid tunneller / whistler / survivor of storms
Turns out these pudgier cousins to groundhogs and woodchucks arise, in May, from six months of hibernation. Seeking a mate.
Well, this one’s gonna be lonesome. After 32 years in our cedar house on the hill, this is our first visitation.
In nearby Spokane, there are colonies of them, downtown, near the river. Out here? Never.
The nickname whistle pig (for the distinctive warning call) feels undignified for an animal viewed as a wisdom keeper by some Native American tribes. Some Africans view them as agents of healing.
Christians feature them in their artwork and literature; they also malign them as symbols of gluttony.
(Gulp. While researching the critters, I binge-ate four lunch bag servings of Cheetos today.)
So. Perhaps, a heaven-sent warning?
BUT THIS . . . stopped me:
An encounter with a marmot can be read
as a sign of forthcoming assistance
in a big endeavor.
Fanciful? Perhaps. But I’m on the cusp of submitting a full-length manuscript of poems to a most excellent editor. Except . . . I’ve stalled out. Several hundred hours have gone into this project already over the past year. If the publisher accepts it, then there’s the expected undertaking of marketing and publicity—undertaking, as in engaging with certain death. I am abysmal at business.
Since the marmot feels “sent,” might this be a good-humored nudge to . . . finish up already, and hit “Send”?
“The Marmot is also a reminder that we should never give up on our dreams and goals,” writes Andy Willis, “no matter how difficult they may seem.”
Now that I can take on board. How about you? Can I join you in prayer for your current undertaking?
How do you cope with looming expectations when you feel inadequate for the task? I could really use help on this. And prayer!
P.S. Speaking of fanciful, here’s a poem I wrote several years ago, from a marmot’s point of view.
Whistle Pig Polka Beneath the Monroe Street Bridge
My fellow tunnel junkie, old twinkle-toes Hans,
warms up in our downtown digs. Too bad
Spokane’s first wooden bridge turned itself
into cinders, sifting across the gorge. These days
reinforced concrete, blithe as a skipped stone,
curves across the river like marmot ears. All-day
roar of the waves plus traffic—who hears the small
footfalls, dancing across our triple arch stage
long as 448 of us, laid out, snout to tail?
Ask any oompah-loving rodent playing the tuba,
or mini-concertina (wheezing beneath the cars
with Bohemian flair): hop-steps, close-steps,
claw-foot twirl—duple time fires the blood!
As to those chewed car wires, and the occasional
neighborhood landscape binge, Hans decrees
we all carb load. Half our lives are spent
dreaming up choreography during hibernation.
Some of us want to believe a bridge is forever.
Appeared in Spokane Writes, 2017
Feature Photo by Eli Allan on Unsplash
Classic pose with log Photo by Miguel Teirlinck on Unsplash
“On the run,” courtesy of Dreamer, who first spotted our guest
What a fanciful and fun post, my friend. I did not know marmots are called “whistle pigs.”
When we lived in Central CA we saw marmots often in the Sierra Nevadas–their distinct call is unmistakable. What a creative God we have!
(And yes, dear Lord, bring a yes to that poetry manuscript!)
Jody, they are such droll creatures. They make me grin (though we hope they move on, considering some of their habits).
The messengers of God, who can predict their coming (or their manifestations?).
Thank you so much for that vote of confidence! Still some work to be done, and I’d better get to it . . . Blessings on your weekend and the upcoming holiday, too!
Spent, after yesterday’s work, weeding and moving dirt in my landlady’s burgeoning garden makeover, I secretly plumped up the pillows, to finish this morning’s tea in the comfort of the still lukewarm bed. I had closed the door to escape my husband’s non-stop Zoom call conversations, (down-the-hall), and pawed mindlessly through various social media sites, as I relished the kind relief from stiffness of the back and knees from yesterday’s garden gymnastics.
And then, a reminder in my email that there’s a Laurie Klein out there, beloved, intrepid wonder-junkie, spinning the most delicious of yarns… and I deep-dove into today’s blogpost and all the comments of your other readers, and go back and re-read some of your linked blogs, and am so excited at the thought there may be soon, another collection of your delectable dance of words in print! And I was once again (guiltily?) (yearningly?) reminded of my own writing project that has been fallow in the last few weeks…
Thank you for being intrepid and brave and inspiring. We ALL are blessed by your Spirit-instilled gifts. God-speed on the next whirlwind of “star-making machinery” that accompanies publication. I will be reveling with you when it comes out! (And we’re still here (for now) in this Bavarian town, listening to marmots, accordions, and being licked by passing Bernese Mountain dogs.)
Pacia, it is so GREAT to reconnect! I kinda fell off the FB wagon. Thank you for your heartening words of affirmation. And thank you for following this funny ole blog for so many years. I appreciate you for so many reasons.
And now I want to hear about your project . . . email me? Whether it’s temporarily “fallow” (or incubating or marinating?)—may divine provision, timing, and inspiration coincide in deep and delightful ways in the life of this work awaiting you in the wings. I am so keen to hear more when your time and energy allow. It sounds like you are busy as ever. Meanwhile, may your garden flourish! (Weeds are overrunning mine; must get out there again with my new red hoe!).
Love your closing list: Epic dogs and lederhosen and squeeze box polkas AND you get to hear marmots there, in your mountain digs . . . may memorable joys keep on coming . . .
PS I grinned in pleasure at the Joni Mitchell quote (one of my musical heroines in my younger decades).
Oh the angst of crafting words wrung from somewhere deep-down. It’s a sacred, yet often gut-wrenching experience. And then, the word flinging (kind of like the marmot fling Dreamer captured–how could the whistle pig have an extra ounce of fat w/ such a fancy flight?!–I have flights of fancy a lot 🙂 ). And I didn’t even know what a marmot was until you so picturesquely wrote here!!! What does *that* tell you? I know what squirrels are, and Mike calls them tree rats. I’m not especially thrilled with them, b/c there are too many in our neck of the woods and they get into stuff. Plus, they can carry rabies (a friend was badly bitten by one when she opened the garbage can lid and it sprang out wildly and bit her in the face)! But Sheridan talks to them, b/c she thinks she’s Snow White, and animals of every sort agree. She’s a Snow-White-Animal Whisperer (and kid whisperer too) from way back.
Laurie, I surely wish you well on your new book!!!! And I totally GET the shying away from all the marketing stuff. Authors didn’t have to do that in the past. That was the job of the publicist. Alas, we live in a brave new world, and that’s one reason I backed off pro writing. Sad, but true, BUT I love championing others’ work. So let me know when it is published! I also have your first poetry book, and loved it!
Have a glorious Memorial Day weekend!
xo
Lynn
Dear Lynn, your understanding is a gift.
AND whenever you write to me, you bring me laughter and wisdom and something to ponder. Thank you!
In future, I will lift the lid of the garbage can more carefully. What an AWFUL thing for your friend. Aiiii.
Love picturing Sheridan in action. : )
If the work is accepted, I will let you know, probably here, on the blog. Thank you, thank you for loving the first book, and for believing there will be a second.
And may your holiday weekend delight you!!!
Yes, lift garbage can lids gingerly. I do hope some delight comes this weekend. In some ways started off sadly with a trip to the cemetery, and yet, actually Mother and I soon turned toward delight when we remembered with joy my father, and her parents and grandparents (my grans and greats) and all my wonderful great aunts and uncles. What a raucous funny lot they were. So yes, we left with delight. Michael is BBQing on Monday AND making his wonderful chocolate tart. It’s fabulous. Keep finding delight yourself, and your words ALWAYS delight! xo L.
The power of memories to lift our hearts. I am celebrating your marvelous clan and the legacies of those who loved you, Lynn. They sound unforgettable.
May your feast this evening satisfy all your senses. Michael. at the grill . . . the menu sounds delicious!
Wishing you both contagious felicity . . . all day long!
And BTW recognize the sin of gluttony through the process of seeking publication. I began praying Scripture over that sin’s hold on me (and my family) –
Proverbs 23:21 says “for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.” Oh preserve me from drunkenness and gluttony, from becoming poor, drowsy and clothed in rags. And forgive me for the times in the past I got drunk and indulged in gluttony. Grow the fruit of self-control in me. I pray. Teach me to “Be alert and of sober mind. For our enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Teach and empower me to resist him, standing firm in the faith, because we know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” 1 PETER 5:8-9
– and God then gifted me a beautiful way out of numbing my feelings of inadequacy with food: learning this verse off by heart and speaking it over myself – “How abundant are the good things You have stored up for those who fear You, that You bestow in the sight of all men, upon those who take refuge in You.” Every time I want to reach for “comfort” food I am training myself to feed myself with this Promise instead. It is already reaping fruit.
I also speak it as a blessing over those I see God blessing with big opportunities to glorify His Name to turn me toward serving God in humility and away from comparison, envy and shaming myself.
Dear Anna, that is such an interesting passage in response to bingeing, especially in that translation. And the one you committed to memory, wow, the perfect antidote to craving. Thank you so much for sharing how it can also dilute those potent, depleting feelings stirred up by comparing oneself to others and their gifts and successes. How wonder-fully practical for redirecting my insecurities. That looks to me like the next good passage to memorize . . .
Blessing on you and your family over the coming holiday. So so glad you are part of this online gathering.
Love this. So timely and encouraging. I sent an excerpt from a book of poetry, Scripture & blessings I wrote almost a year ago, off to a publisher (friend of a friend) yesterday and she replied very quickly, wanting to work with me, but explained she’s a hybrid publisher – which means part of the cost to cover is mine. Well, I am a SAHM and don’t have the funds lying around.
But funnily last week, before I was prompted to take this step forward, God gave me this Scripture to pray over our girls:
Psalm 77:11-12
I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will consider all your works
and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”
I had to laugh. My parents were missionaries and lived by the provision of God, with funds coming in perfect timing, exact amounts, again and again. My Mama even prayed telling God she was thankful for His provision but couldn’t He bring the funds two weeks early, rather than at the last minute because it was causing her stress. Ha: he answered her promptly: from then on every bill was covered two weeks early.
And then I opened a book I am reading to read this:
Matthew 17:20 He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”
And I thought of the song my Mama loved to sing when I was little:
https://youtu.be/yJEcb2qb9Yg
May we see His power move mountains, as He glorifies His Name through what He has given us to bless His Body. May He perfect His power in our weakness.
Anna, I LOVE reading about the provision coming your way via the Word and memories. (I had to look up the SAHM acronym, and am glad to know it; I am such a dinosaur!).
Your words are life as I read them today. Thank you!
(And the song brought back good memories, too.)
I just read these marvelous thoughts (and offer them, in return):
“See your fear for what it is: Nothing less than guerilla warfare waged against the beauty of the holy lurking within your heart. … Your faith, your belief in the substance of things hoped for, is the sacrificial ram you offer God. The Isaac of your art … will not die on the makeshift altar of your procrastination and fear.” —Joy Sawyer, The Art of the Soul.
Please keep me posted on your book!
Nice.
Appreciate the courage to share with us.
Covering here in Ontario, Canada.
A psalm I pray/speak often… Psalm 27:13&14.
Me?
Yes, please.
I want/need to retire, from what takes up too much of my time.
Less to do, so what matters gets all of me.
The bridge isn’t forever. 🙂
Provision.
Thank you & bless you.
Oh, Rick what a stellar passage for me to immerse in, thank you!
I’m typing it in here for those who enjoy reading the comments.
“What would have become of me had I not believed that I would see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living! Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord.” (Amplified version, since that one was closest to my desk.)
I am gonna hang on to those words!
You mention a sweeping life change—for the most profound of reasons, it seems to me: to be readied (and rested) and available for the essential in any given moment.
And they’re all given, aren’t they.
And we know not the duration.
Only the One who bridged all, for us, and with us.
God of provision and vision, oversee the minutiae as well as the crucial, in terms of connections and timing. Guide my friend in the coming months with your grace, at every turn. Amen
readied and rested
I like that.
Thank you.
I will hold that thought for, and around, and within, you . . .
(possibly for myself, also)
Grateful.
One whistle pig sighting in 32 years? And you just happened upon that info about an encounter being a sign of forthcoming assistance? Seems like too much of a coincidence to me–more like a God-incident! (He loves getting our attention in creative and surprising ways!) I too am reaching the end of a writing project, a Bible study about worship (also leading the participant into worship each day), that will hopefully be ready for self-publication soon. Then comes the dreaded marketing and publicity–NOT my forte at all. So as you pray about your own undertaking, you may please include mine as well! Together we will believe that what we began with prayers for guidance and wisdom, we will be able to complete with God’s all-sufficient help.
Nancy, it does seem crazy yet meant, doesn’t it. Nothing like an answer that keeps me on my toes . . .
Three cheers for your project! I’m on your mailing list, yes? I’ll want a copy! It sounds wonderful.
Ministering God of marvels and marmots, bless Nancy’s stamina and creativity on the home stretch. Lead her to the resources that will best serve her work as well as her readers. Please help us both with our eventual efforts to share with others what you’ve entrusted to our care. Amen!
Courage. It’s so interesting what will spark it. I find God quite creative in this manner. This rather unconventional, yet personal, approach to instilling courage makes God both more knowable and less predictable. A Wielder of Goodness in all things be through heaven or nature. A marvel.
Oh, that is SO TRUE. The unexpected touch in a day that shifts our mindset, nudges us onward; the tacit offer of an exchange: Goodness and courage to replace ponderous gloom.
“Marvel” is the word.
And? Now I’m thinking about “instilled” as being filled as well as “inwardly stilled,” angst relaxing its hackles . . .
Whatever it takes, I guess, even for you, my esteemed scribbler friend. When I see your “next” blog post, I know I am in for a smile.
Shucks. Yer makin’ me grin all over myself. So great to hear from you!
You both are accomplished scribblers capable of evoking memories I’ve tucked away for decades! Love from me to you two.
Susie, thank you for your investment in our lives.
Reading this today brings back memories, almost as good as being in class with you again.
Thanks for writing us!!
And now I am off to John’s website to see what I’ve missed out on lately . . .
Shucks now I’m gonna have to update the website haven’t touched it in a long while. Too busy. Making stuff out of dead trees
Investment. It is that, isn’t it? Challenging young minds is an investment in emotion, hope, and teeth grinding frustration. A gentleman approached me a while back and asked me if my wife had been a teacher. I said that she had, and he confirmed the venue. He spoke of his son, and said that the year he had Pam was the year the lights went on. This year he will graduate with honors from the Engineering program at Milwaukee School of Enginieering. If we just let these dedicated souls teach, all will be well.
John, that wonderful story is such a great tribute to Pam and all those akin to her in passion and dedication, patience and creativity.
Next time you write something, John, let me know?? I did love looking at the bowls and the Eden Pam tends . . .