I love how Hobbit sees Owly, that is my favorite thing ever. (and vice versa too of course) I just found myself smiling while reading Hobbit's portion.
PS I love how Owly reads scary books to self-soothe LOL. Stephen King is some heavy ish.
As a 13yo going through puberty, I found horror books to be very soothing. That was my kind of weird 😜
As for how Hobbit sees me, it took me many years to realize he was genuine in his admiration and he wasn’t making fun of me like my older brother used to. That trauma of brother bullying ran so deep that anytime anyone complimented me for being organized, detailed, deep thinking, structured, etc, I would think it was an insult in disguise. 🥸
OMG I think you just unlocked that same core memory realization in me. Everything, and I do mean everything, was a joke and sarcastic in my family growing up. So it is actually difficult to receive a genuine compliment. It's like I have to protect myself against the sting but there is no sting, only honey. That relief and pure witnessing of me must be why I cry in those moments. Thank you for sharing that with me.
Sometimes I have to remind Hobbit that his teasing reminds me of my brother's taunting...and he has to remind me that it is out of pure admiration. I'mstill figuring this out, nearly 9 years later.
Hobbit has this innate and internal need to grow things. Pathos plants. Kombucha scobies. Sunflowers. Silk worms. He loves the propagation of living organisms. I supposed it all comes from a deep awareness of LOVE.
That's so very true, I hadn't thought about it like that. I guess we are a mirror, what happens inside our soul will get reflected in the outside world.
I’m behind on my newsletters and am reading this when you are already on your trip. As someone who does the darting from room to room, I recognize myself in this piece as well. Your work always lands w me. Always. Thank you, Teri!
Owleigh, your description of your mom's "sparking snapping fingers" and the pre-vacation frenzy hit me right in the gut – in the most relatable way possible, of course! While my own mother's pre-trip rituals didn't involve pyrokinesis, the sheer energy and subtle anxiety you capture are so familiar. It's that unique brand of "fun" vacation planning that involves meticulous lists, frantic last-minute tidying, and the silent, growing dread of what might be forgotten. You perfectly articulate the invisible labor that often goes into making these "relaxing" trips actually happen, especially for the "mom" figure in any household.
thank you for seeing this. I had hoped someone would relate to the pre-vacation anxiety and stress that happen for the planners of the family. the invisible labor is real.
Thank you for the enjoyable, entertaining description of planning your vacation! You two always bring a smile to me. I hope you have a wonderfully safe roadtrip on your adventure and tons of FUN!
I must admit, however, to disappointment about the "buy me a coffee button." I look forward to seeing how you will weave the theme, topic, and a new tiny reveal together with the financial piece at the end of every essay and it's not there today.
I love how Hobbit sees Owly, that is my favorite thing ever. (and vice versa too of course) I just found myself smiling while reading Hobbit's portion.
PS I love how Owly reads scary books to self-soothe LOL. Stephen King is some heavy ish.
As a 13yo going through puberty, I found horror books to be very soothing. That was my kind of weird 😜
As for how Hobbit sees me, it took me many years to realize he was genuine in his admiration and he wasn’t making fun of me like my older brother used to. That trauma of brother bullying ran so deep that anytime anyone complimented me for being organized, detailed, deep thinking, structured, etc, I would think it was an insult in disguise. 🥸
OMG I think you just unlocked that same core memory realization in me. Everything, and I do mean everything, was a joke and sarcastic in my family growing up. So it is actually difficult to receive a genuine compliment. It's like I have to protect myself against the sting but there is no sting, only honey. That relief and pure witnessing of me must be why I cry in those moments. Thank you for sharing that with me.
Sometimes I have to remind Hobbit that his teasing reminds me of my brother's taunting...and he has to remind me that it is out of pure admiration. I'mstill figuring this out, nearly 9 years later.
I love you both even more after meeting you in person. I didn't think that was possible. But here we are 😂
I knew that would happen. Love you too!
This is the kind of partnership that grows love.🌹
Hobbit has this innate and internal need to grow things. Pathos plants. Kombucha scobies. Sunflowers. Silk worms. He loves the propagation of living organisms. I supposed it all comes from a deep awareness of LOVE.
I couldn't have put it better myself! If I could have as much fun, respect and love as Owly and Hobbit, I would be a very happy man!
Always makes me chuckle ;)
Tom, I believe that if you can recognize the fun, respect, and love in us, you must have it in yourself. It takes one to know one.
That's so very true, I hadn't thought about it like that. I guess we are a mirror, what happens inside our soul will get reflected in the outside world.
Thanks for the reframe!
I’m behind on my newsletters and am reading this when you are already on your trip. As someone who does the darting from room to room, I recognize myself in this piece as well. Your work always lands w me. Always. Thank you, Teri!
I wrote the first part before we left, and hobbit finished it late last night, three days into our trip. It just posted today.
Writing these is really helping me know myself better.
And this trip is epic!
Owleigh, your description of your mom's "sparking snapping fingers" and the pre-vacation frenzy hit me right in the gut – in the most relatable way possible, of course! While my own mother's pre-trip rituals didn't involve pyrokinesis, the sheer energy and subtle anxiety you capture are so familiar. It's that unique brand of "fun" vacation planning that involves meticulous lists, frantic last-minute tidying, and the silent, growing dread of what might be forgotten. You perfectly articulate the invisible labor that often goes into making these "relaxing" trips actually happen, especially for the "mom" figure in any household.
I hope you two have such a deeeeeelightful time.
thank you for seeing this. I had hoped someone would relate to the pre-vacation anxiety and stress that happen for the planners of the family. the invisible labor is real.
Thank you for the enjoyable, entertaining description of planning your vacation! You two always bring a smile to me. I hope you have a wonderfully safe roadtrip on your adventure and tons of FUN!
it's been epic. go check out my substack notes for a play-by-play day-by-day!
Thank you two for the peek inside of how it works.
I must admit, however, to disappointment about the "buy me a coffee button." I look forward to seeing how you will weave the theme, topic, and a new tiny reveal together with the financial piece at the end of every essay and it's not there today.
noted, and Hobbit has promised to include it in all future newsletters.