Beautiful, the Sandhill Cranes often gather in farm field behind my house and farm market. I love the music they make and the way they dance in the spring while wooing a mate.
I still listen to the Civil Wars, I really miss the music that John Paul White and Joy Williams made together. I wish I was close enough to check out this concert. Instead I will listen to natures beautiful music.
I hope this finds you well. I am writing to express to you how your music, videos, poems and postings have impacted me, in a positive way, and have been helping me find a way through a dark valley.
First, I must admit that I had not heard your music or read your posts until just recently. I read an October 19th article in the Indianapolis Business Journal about your new album and that was the start of my deep dive into your music. I had a few hours over that weekend where I was on the road, by myself in the car, and was able to listen to four of your albums: A Great Wild Mercy, The Beautiful Not Yet, The Point of Arrival, and Betty’s Diner. I don’t believe it was coincidence that I read that article, I believe it was the work of the Holy Spirit putting it in front of me at just the right time to equip me with some tools I need to find hope and process grief.
You see, in July of this year I unexpectedly lost my wife, Beth. We had been together for 34 years, married for 31. We have three wonderful children, two are adults and the youngest is almost there. Our family was in a good place, and we were looking forward to the next chapter in our lives together. This included bird watching trips to places like Goose Pond which we had visited together before. Those plans have fallen apart, and I find myself struggling with what life has in store for me now.
Through your music I have been processing grief, reflecting on the beautiful person my wife was, and finding hope for tomorrow. To my knowledge, my wife hadn’t listened to your music either, but she would have enjoyed it and I think you and she were kindred spirits. She was an avid bird watcher and enjoyed crocheting, specially making things for other people. Her example of kindness and hospitality is one that I strive to follow. Beth had found peace in slowing down, sitting with not knowing, taking more time and covering less ground 😊. She was the calming voice to my usual concern and worry for the state of things in our world today. I’m working to channel that now.
Each of your songs I listen to and poems I read stir me. So, thank you for sharing your gift with the world and helping people like me work through struggles and dark times. I look forward to listening to more of your music, reading your poetry and doing some healing.
I want to add my heartfelt condolences to those offered by others. I'm so glad you have found Carrie's music and poetry! It touches places in my heart and in my soul that nothing else seems able to reach. I pray that is true for you as well.
May you be surrounded by the Light and may you feel its warmth, embrace, and support over the coming days and months.
Dearest David, First, I send the most kind and compassionate thoughts in this time of grieving such a deep and abiding loss. As the Quakers say, I am holding you in the Light my friend. Beth sounds like such an extraordinary woman, wise in such important ways. Thank you for telling me a bit of her story - a story of such appreciation and love is always a privilege. In my experience, even though someone we love has passed into the next mystery, the relationship doesn’t end….but it does transform. They are always with us, in deep and meaningful ways, in the stories we tell, in the way they come to mind in the small moments of each day.
I am grateful to hear that the songs have been helpful in this time outside of time. That means the songs I’ve released like birds into the world, have landed well and safely in your heart and with my most loving intentions. And because songwriters do not know where their best intentions land, it is a great generosity to let me know. Thank you. That touches me to the heart.
My friend Parker Palmer says that if we are to be fully human, we will know great loss, and our hearts will break. In that time of grieving our hearts can break apart into a million shards that go out like shrapnel into the world…or our hearts break open…….and eventually…after that time outside of time that is grieving…..our hearts open to a new understanding and deeper compassion. In the song “Thats the way these things go” there is a line that says “be kind to everyone that you meet, no matter what you see on the street. You don’t know what people live down deep.” We carry our greatest loves and joys as well as our deepest losses and sorrows. How important it is to nod to one another and acknowledge the humanness of our journey through life.
I’m grateful you have found this gathering of spirits. I believe you have many companions here on this journey of life and love and tender loss. Blessings my friend in these first holidays without your beloved Beth. Again, I hold you and your family in the Light of compassion and healing.
Thank you, Carrie. Your kind words are much appreciated and well received. And know that the "birds" you've released have landed well. I see Beth in the birds every day, she loved them so much and found so much peace and joy when she was watching them. The artwork on your new album cover caught my eye right away and gave me pause, I knew I needed to listen :). The sandhill cranes were some of her favorites too. Whenever they would fly over and sing out we would run outside to see them. When I read this post it made me smile. My hikes and walks take on a different meaning and pace now. I don't just go with the destination in mind, but also thoughtfully take in the journey. Blessings to you.
It was spring in Montana. The air was still cool, the ground still squishy, but the sun was warm on my face. Midst the chirping of the morning birds came this horrible scream calling for help. We just knew it was a newborn fawn. We raced up the hill behind the cabin with brave intention to rescue this sweet little thing. The bears were awake now too, but we didn’t care. Is that crazy or what?
We followed the sound, searched and searched only to find nothing; nothing but this white stuff splattered all over the ground underneath a gigantic fir tree. Oh, the white stuff. Looking up, we heard it again. The moan of a need, the screech of instinctual desire was just overhead. They wanted it bad. Feeling rather silly we left them alone to do whatever it is they do. You see, some sandhill cranes mate in this part of Montana.
I initially felt fear and horror at hearing an unfamiliar sound. I feared the worst when I didn’t understand. I learned something about my knee jerk reactions that day. I needed to revisit this lesson. Thank-you, Carrie. Your stories always help in more ways than one.
“Tripping as they land…” I love it! ( I got to smile even as I sighed)
Thank you for mentioning the Platte! I was also going to mention this mind-boggling (in the best way) gathering of sandhill cranes on the Platte River at Kearney, Nebraska, during their northward spring migration. These are the lesser sandhill cranes (smaller than ours in the Midwest). So imagine my surprise when I saw what looked like one white giraffe standing in a cornfield next to all these little brownish lumps all hunkered down eating leftovers from last year’s crop. I have a photo, which does not begin to do the whooping crane justice, but the image in my mind just makes my heart swell and little tears of happiness form in my eyes as I remember this unexpected sighting.
Seven! What a gift you saw Carrie! And the short-eared owls! What a day! I’m enjoying thinking about it.
Thank you for continuing to share your heart, your words, and your music with the world. You’ve helped me move forward more than once. ❤️
I saw them at the Platte River one year as well. Yes, I love how you described it….a sacred bond within nature between Cranes, the farmers and those who watch.
Beautiful, the Sandhill Cranes often gather in farm field behind my house and farm market. I love the music they make and the way they dance in the spring while wooing a mate.
I still listen to the Civil Wars, I really miss the music that John Paul White and Joy Williams made together. I wish I was close enough to check out this concert. Instead I will listen to natures beautiful music.
Hi Carrie! I am trying to buy your new CD "A Great Wild Mercy". Amazon said they are out of it!
Can I buy this CD directly from you? Your songs always meet a deep yearning in my soul. So thankful to you. - Marcia Smith-Wood
That poem (which you included in your post) is lovely. :).
Bless you in your grief and healing, David. Welcome to the fold ...
Dear Carrie,
I hope this finds you well. I am writing to express to you how your music, videos, poems and postings have impacted me, in a positive way, and have been helping me find a way through a dark valley.
First, I must admit that I had not heard your music or read your posts until just recently. I read an October 19th article in the Indianapolis Business Journal about your new album and that was the start of my deep dive into your music. I had a few hours over that weekend where I was on the road, by myself in the car, and was able to listen to four of your albums: A Great Wild Mercy, The Beautiful Not Yet, The Point of Arrival, and Betty’s Diner. I don’t believe it was coincidence that I read that article, I believe it was the work of the Holy Spirit putting it in front of me at just the right time to equip me with some tools I need to find hope and process grief.
You see, in July of this year I unexpectedly lost my wife, Beth. We had been together for 34 years, married for 31. We have three wonderful children, two are adults and the youngest is almost there. Our family was in a good place, and we were looking forward to the next chapter in our lives together. This included bird watching trips to places like Goose Pond which we had visited together before. Those plans have fallen apart, and I find myself struggling with what life has in store for me now.
Through your music I have been processing grief, reflecting on the beautiful person my wife was, and finding hope for tomorrow. To my knowledge, my wife hadn’t listened to your music either, but she would have enjoyed it and I think you and she were kindred spirits. She was an avid bird watcher and enjoyed crocheting, specially making things for other people. Her example of kindness and hospitality is one that I strive to follow. Beth had found peace in slowing down, sitting with not knowing, taking more time and covering less ground 😊. She was the calming voice to my usual concern and worry for the state of things in our world today. I’m working to channel that now.
Each of your songs I listen to and poems I read stir me. So, thank you for sharing your gift with the world and helping people like me work through struggles and dark times. I look forward to listening to more of your music, reading your poetry and doing some healing.
Thank you and God bless.
Dear David,
I want to add my heartfelt condolences to those offered by others. I'm so glad you have found Carrie's music and poetry! It touches places in my heart and in my soul that nothing else seems able to reach. I pray that is true for you as well.
May you be surrounded by the Light and may you feel its warmth, embrace, and support over the coming days and months.
Sorry David for such a great loss. May fond memories keep you afloat until you can start moving forward into somewhat brighter days.
Dearest David, First, I send the most kind and compassionate thoughts in this time of grieving such a deep and abiding loss. As the Quakers say, I am holding you in the Light my friend. Beth sounds like such an extraordinary woman, wise in such important ways. Thank you for telling me a bit of her story - a story of such appreciation and love is always a privilege. In my experience, even though someone we love has passed into the next mystery, the relationship doesn’t end….but it does transform. They are always with us, in deep and meaningful ways, in the stories we tell, in the way they come to mind in the small moments of each day.
I am grateful to hear that the songs have been helpful in this time outside of time. That means the songs I’ve released like birds into the world, have landed well and safely in your heart and with my most loving intentions. And because songwriters do not know where their best intentions land, it is a great generosity to let me know. Thank you. That touches me to the heart.
My friend Parker Palmer says that if we are to be fully human, we will know great loss, and our hearts will break. In that time of grieving our hearts can break apart into a million shards that go out like shrapnel into the world…or our hearts break open…….and eventually…after that time outside of time that is grieving…..our hearts open to a new understanding and deeper compassion. In the song “Thats the way these things go” there is a line that says “be kind to everyone that you meet, no matter what you see on the street. You don’t know what people live down deep.” We carry our greatest loves and joys as well as our deepest losses and sorrows. How important it is to nod to one another and acknowledge the humanness of our journey through life.
I’m grateful you have found this gathering of spirits. I believe you have many companions here on this journey of life and love and tender loss. Blessings my friend in these first holidays without your beloved Beth. Again, I hold you and your family in the Light of compassion and healing.
Thank you, Carrie. Your kind words are much appreciated and well received. And know that the "birds" you've released have landed well. I see Beth in the birds every day, she loved them so much and found so much peace and joy when she was watching them. The artwork on your new album cover caught my eye right away and gave me pause, I knew I needed to listen :). The sandhill cranes were some of her favorites too. Whenever they would fly over and sing out we would run outside to see them. When I read this post it made me smile. My hikes and walks take on a different meaning and pace now. I don't just go with the destination in mind, but also thoughtfully take in the journey. Blessings to you.
My Sandhill Crane Story
It was spring in Montana. The air was still cool, the ground still squishy, but the sun was warm on my face. Midst the chirping of the morning birds came this horrible scream calling for help. We just knew it was a newborn fawn. We raced up the hill behind the cabin with brave intention to rescue this sweet little thing. The bears were awake now too, but we didn’t care. Is that crazy or what?
We followed the sound, searched and searched only to find nothing; nothing but this white stuff splattered all over the ground underneath a gigantic fir tree. Oh, the white stuff. Looking up, we heard it again. The moan of a need, the screech of instinctual desire was just overhead. They wanted it bad. Feeling rather silly we left them alone to do whatever it is they do. You see, some sandhill cranes mate in this part of Montana.
I initially felt fear and horror at hearing an unfamiliar sound. I feared the worst when I didn’t understand. I learned something about my knee jerk reactions that day. I needed to revisit this lesson. Thank-you, Carrie. Your stories always help in more ways than one.
“Tripping as they land…” I love it! ( I got to smile even as I sighed)
Beautiful ... heart full and smiling!
Thank you
I loved this, beautiful description of these amazing birds. I've had the good fortune to see it and so I totally understand.
The sacred pause and the sacred gaze. Thank you for sharing Carrie. I will take this into my day-pass-attend-appreciate-rinse-repeat.
Thank you for mentioning the Platte! I was also going to mention this mind-boggling (in the best way) gathering of sandhill cranes on the Platte River at Kearney, Nebraska, during their northward spring migration. These are the lesser sandhill cranes (smaller than ours in the Midwest). So imagine my surprise when I saw what looked like one white giraffe standing in a cornfield next to all these little brownish lumps all hunkered down eating leftovers from last year’s crop. I have a photo, which does not begin to do the whooping crane justice, but the image in my mind just makes my heart swell and little tears of happiness form in my eyes as I remember this unexpected sighting.
Seven! What a gift you saw Carrie! And the short-eared owls! What a day! I’m enjoying thinking about it.
Thank you for continuing to share your heart, your words, and your music with the world. You’ve helped me move forward more than once. ❤️
I saw them at the Platte River one year as well. Yes, I love how you described it….a sacred bond within nature between Cranes, the farmers and those who watch.