22 Comments

"...because that is what women do when we gather; we find the most freshly bruised one among us and we promise her that we will stand guard while she rests." My hand flew to my heart.

I belong to a circle of women who gather once a month and we just listen to each other in a circle without giving advice or feedback. Just women listening. This is what will heal the world. I was so very sick last week and they put me on the couch and covered me in a blanket and I listened from there with my eyes closed and someone brought me tea and that is all. THAT IS EVERYTHING. ✨️

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Ohhh I want to join your circle of women! What a holy, holy thing to have that on a regular basis. Indeed, this will heal the world.

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Honestly, if you ever find yourself in Washington in need of a safe place to cry, we will cover you with love and a warm blanket. 💙

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yes please!

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Beautiful!

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Thanks, Holly.

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SHANNON! (said like Suuuue! 😉). This essay said it all and said it right.

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So glad to have you in the Red Tent, Liz! 😍🫶

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Mmmm...this is lovely, and sweet to think about how we take care of each other.

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Grateful that we don’t have to vote on the status of the Big Dipper or what it is called! Great to know it has endured throughout the ages! Thanks for connecting it to our lives!

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🤗

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If you have more questions about lesbian sex, I’m here for you. 😂 But seriously I love you so much and this is so gorgeous and rich with everything important. Standing slow clap.

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How could I ever love you more? Oh wait, I couldn't.

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Shannon this is just beautiful. Your prose is exquisite and that image of the women standing guard over the bruised one—-😭😭😭 I am lucky to belong to a group of women like this. I call them my book club.

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❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹 thank you for this

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Thank you for this, Shannon. I still remember the first time I actually saw the Big Dipper. After pretending to have seen it many times, my young eyes finally found it in the night sky. What a revelation! I have loved it ever since.

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As we say in my part of the UK, Lush.

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I've heard Minnesota is magic ✨️

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I read this while you were still sitting down the table from me at the coffee shop. You are an absolute wonder and you shine in my life like a North Star. This weekend was pure gift and so are your words.

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This is the most accurate ode to our time together, Shannon. This is what we do. This is all there is.

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Shannon, this was stunning. It gave me goosebumps. I'm so glad you wrote these words.

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Shannon! The steadiness of the stars above and the ground that holds us in community. Beautifully written. Thank you.

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