17 Comments
User's avatar
Ksenija's avatar

Dear Caroline,

I am so happy and feel privileged to have access to your articles. I first came across your writings during your editor days at A Cup of Jo and was sad when you left the permanent team. I still sometimes peruse the site and read exclusively your contributions. From there on, I read your short lived but wonderful blog and since I found this little corner of yours on the www, I have become a subscriber. You are one of the very, very few authors whose output (in whatever form) I truly look forward reading and re-reading. You really have a unique perspective on such a wide array of topics. I would love to see you in charge of a magazine! And I hope you will realize your dream of writing a novel. I will sure be buying it. Greetings form the Netherlands!

Expand full comment
Caroline Cala Donofrio's avatar

Ksenija, Thank you so much for these kind words. That is the loveliest note. I am so glad that you're reading! Thank you for your encouragement, and for being here. It means a lot to me. All the best from New York! ❤️

Expand full comment
Lizzie C's avatar

I love the weather metaphors, and I find this imagery of visitors helpful, too.

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.

Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,

some momentary awareness comes

as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!

Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,

who violently sweep your house

empty of its furniture,

still, treat each guest honorably.

He may be clearing you out

for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,

meet them at the door laughing,

and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,

because each has been sent

as a guide from beyond.

by Rumi

Expand full comment
Caroline Cala Donofrio's avatar

Yes! I LOVE The Guest House. I'd forgotten about it, but the visitor metaphor is so wonderful. Thank you for sharing. ❤️

Expand full comment
Jacey's avatar

Thank you for your beautiful words, perspective, and vulnerability, Caroline. This post is so, so relatable. Curling myself into a safe burrito sounds very tempting right now ❤️

Expand full comment
Caroline Cala Donofrio's avatar

Thank you, Jacey. I appreciate you.

Expand full comment
Isabelle Gallant's avatar

This was great, Caroline. I love the Pema Chedron quote. Do you read Rilke? He's one of my faves. Let This Darkness Be a Bell Tower is so beautiful. I also love the Six of Cups doodle and that whole idea of drawing a card from memory.

Expand full comment
Caroline Cala Donofrio's avatar

Yes! Rilke is wonderful. One of my favorites, too. Thank you, Isabelle ❤️

Expand full comment
Michelle Bengson's avatar

A safe burrito! Ha! I love the weather metaphors of what we can and can't control.

Expand full comment
Caroline Cala Donofrio's avatar

Thank you! ❤️

Expand full comment
Quinn's avatar

Love this week's newsletter, Caroline - very relatable. Even just reading that subject line, "I am a safe burrito", brought me comfort. :)

Expand full comment
Caroline Cala Donofrio's avatar

Thank you, Quinn! ❤️

Expand full comment
Joana's avatar

Sometimes all I want/need is to go into safe burrito mode! And I think that is ok too, as long as it passes.

Expand full comment
Caroline Cala Donofrio's avatar

I agree! Into every life a little safe burrito must fall. (Hopefully in moderation.)

Expand full comment
Yvonne's avatar

Thank you for your lovely post. Just what I needed as I am feeling the way you do. Hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I find your post inspiring and full of hope. I like the weather metaphors and the safe burrito. You're not alone. LOVE your writing.

Expand full comment
Caroline Cala Donofrio's avatar

Thank you so much, Yvonne. Sending you warm wishes for the week ahead.

Expand full comment
EBeth's avatar

I'm commenting a bit later than others (months!) so thanks for your patience! (I just read the WSJ article about not saying "sorry" but reframing it to keep my power... :D) Anyhoo, the weather metaphor is so apt and your line "It's been a stormy season but I can see a glimpse of spring" captures my current mood perfectly! And, actually, it would not have back in April so I'm grateful to have read your words this morning.

Expand full comment