18 Comments

We're huge Helen Oxenbury, too! Never heard of Grandmother Spider Brings the Sun, but I'll be looking for it on the next trip to the library!

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It’s truly one of our all-time favorites — hope you enjoy!

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I had no idea that russet was a verb.

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ME EITHER!

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me either!

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Well, this is heartbreakingly beautiful. Love you and all your russeting, friend!

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Aw Ashley, thank you 🩷

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If you were to ever create a custom pennant, it could read: "I find this ontologically and metaphorically beautiful." And russet as a verb! Language! Sweet, craggy language.

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Haha, I guess that's kind of a me thing to say, isn't it 😂

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I loved that part, too!!

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Russeting -- the tender healing after the cracking. I love this, friend.

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I absolutely loved your intro. It was what I needed. I lost my grandmother last month and feel like I've been russeting for months leading up to it and now, after. Sending so much love your way. I want to try taking longer walks to cry. It sounds healing.

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I wish I could reach through the screen and hug you, Cassie -- I'm so sorry about your grandmother. A lot of people said to me, after mine died in April, "May her memory be a blessing," which I'd never heard before but I think is such a lovely sentiment. So may your grandmother's memory be a blessing 🤍

And, full disclosure: part of the way I get myself to release all my feelings and cry while I'm walking is doing EFT tapping at the same time. (I tap every day, whether I'm just sitting on the floor or moving -- and yes, it looks particularly unhinged while I am walking alone out in the country, but I've stopped caring because it helps me a ton.)

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I love the idea of russeting. Beautiful newsletter, Sarah. I don't know all you're going through, but like you mentioned, you're not alone. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing—and relating it back to the wonderful art of children's books. You're a gem!

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Thanks so much, Taylor 🩷 I appreciate your kind words (and you).

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Your words are perfection.

May I recommend another wonderful book about rhythm and drums (and just an all around lovely read about a kiddo finding their own "beat"? Natsumi (https://bookshop.org/p/books/natsumi-susan-lendroth/11302714).

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Thank you, Sarah. I so needed to read this today. I’m glad that you are shameless in your sharing. It is a gift.

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Thank you, Amanda. Sending strength and comfort and whatever else you most need.

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