A singing river runs through it…..

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I’m wrapping up a long and demanding growing season with Rivergreen,  our family business and livelihood,
and it’s been a bumpy go,  with me longing for change,  body and soul.
I’ve been wading out deep in swirling waters,  listening for the yes of what my heart is thumping,
and I’m answering a knocking and a nudge
to build something new,  not with soil and seed and stone,
but with the words I love to cobble and craft into copy and stories and song.

I’m happiest there in the river,  swept along and caught up in the flow,
choosing words like pebbles and sifting through rhythm
to paint pictures to share and to show.
It’s my growing joy to wordsmith for others,  giving voice to their own heart’s rustle and rhyme,
until their story is fleshed out and finding big air,
and they’re hearing their own vein of song.

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And I’m calling it Singing River,  like the sound of Muscle Shoals,
because I feel the life-blood in my spirit,
the ripples,   the current,  the pulse.

And I carry a tenderness for the people
who lived here first.
Before.
Somehow part of my heart beats on a drum for them,
for recompense,  for healing of the land,
for every way that a collective heart can be restored.
I want what I build and leave behind
to honor these,  and the River who runs through it all.

Opening for business soon:  The Singing River Wordshop.
Big dreams and baby steps:)

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“So this,  I believe,  is the central question upon which all creative living hinges:
Do you have the courage to bring forth the treasures that are hidden within you?”
-Elizabeth Gilbert

 

34 Comments

  1. Jane on October 25, 2015 at 8:16 pm

    Just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this, beautiful child!

    • Jennifer Richardson on November 1, 2015 at 4:11 pm

      I so appreciate your voice in my life, Jane;
      thanks so much:)
      -Jennifer

  2. Lynn on October 25, 2015 at 10:51 pm

    Oh Jenn. I am so thrilled for you and for the wordsmithing plans you have have. When I first found your glorious words, they sang gentle whispers of possibility to my heart. It got me going and a whole new flow to my life began. And each month I anxiously run to the post box to get your Ripplespeaks and know that when I get inside with it, I will be opening pure love that will speak inspired words to the ebbs and flows of my month…. You have my support sweet woman!!!!

    • Jennifer Richardson on November 2, 2015 at 7:29 am

      Thanks so much, Lynn. “Gentle words of possibility”….I love that:)
      Thanks for giving me such bright encouragement.
      I celebrate your fit and flow;)
      -Jennifer

  3. Elephant's Child on October 25, 2015 at 10:51 pm

    The colour, life and vibrancy of the garden will always be a part of you, and will shape your words.
    I love your courage and wish you oceans of success.

    • Jennifer Richardson on November 2, 2015 at 7:30 am

      Thanks so much, you:)
      I’m still going to be gardening, likely for a living for a good while longer.
      I want to build something that will take me into the future so baby steps
      and toddles for now:) Scary:)
      Thanks so much for your cheers,
      Jennifer

  4. judy Hartman on October 25, 2015 at 11:01 pm

    I wish you great success, Jennifer, and I love the name “Singing River”. You have always touched me deeply with your words and have many times felt that you were expressing themes that were close to my heart. You have a magical talent and I can’t wait to see how you will use it to touch the hearts of many others. Can’t wait!

    • Jennifer Richardson on November 2, 2015 at 7:31 am

      I’m glad you share my love for the name, Judy;
      I appreciate your storytelling way:)
      Thanks for the support,
      Jennifer

  5. Susan on October 25, 2015 at 11:04 pm

    “like the sound of Muscle Shoals”… I hear your soul loud and clear, even in the baby step whispers and so happy that you will use and embrace this beautiful gift of yours.
    You are a true inspiration and really one of the good guys.

    • Jennifer Richardson on November 2, 2015 at 7:31 am

      Thanks so much for hearing me…..that means the world to me, Susan.
      I cannot say enough how much I appreciate your kind lift and support,
      Jennifer

  6. Julia on October 26, 2015 at 7:09 am

    Dear Jennifer, the time is ripe to harvest what’s in your heart before it goes rancid… What a marvellous gift that you have been sharing with us for a while now. The name Singing River is perfect. Let the currents carry your heart songs wherever it flows.
    Wishing you much happiness and satisfaction with this new venture.
    Hugs, love and admirations,
    JB

  7. Donna on October 26, 2015 at 2:05 pm

    Wonderful news and much good luck….can’t wait to hear how it is going…..it is good to let your creative dreams fly and put words to that dream.

    • Jennifer Richardson on November 2, 2015 at 7:33 am

      Thanks, Donna:) Baby steps. Baby steps:)
      I don’t think I’ll be running fast with this, as much as I’d like to do just that.
      Life can be complicated:)
      I’m going to be okay with micromovements:)
      -Jennifer

  8. Kathryn on October 26, 2015 at 3:29 pm

    I am very excited about Singing River, and you being true to your creative self always. Much love to you, Jennifer. I am reading Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic, and love it.

    • Jennifer Richardson on November 2, 2015 at 7:34 am

      Thanks, Kathy:) I appreciate your kindness.
      Just so much:)
      -Jennifer

  9. Rebecca on October 26, 2015 at 5:10 pm

    I love this name for your new venture! Putting your creative gifts to work, helping others speak their truths. Congratulations!

    • Jennifer Richardson on November 2, 2015 at 7:35 am

      Thanks, Rebecca. Would still love to sit down with you
      and linger over lunch and hear your heart on just
      so many things.
      Love and lift to you these heavy days,
      Jennifer

  10. Louise Gallagher on October 26, 2015 at 6:27 pm

    What a lovely gift to the world and to those you serve.

    The gifts you bring forth will illuminate the path for all to follow in your flow.

    • Jennifer Richardson on November 2, 2015 at 7:35 am

      Thanks, Louise.
      Just so much. Your words have wings:)
      -Jennifer

  11. gotham girl on October 27, 2015 at 7:43 am

    So exciting! You go girl!

  12. jeanie on October 27, 2015 at 7:49 am

    Oh Jennifer, what joy it gives me to read these words. I understand so completely the concept of needing to do what the heart asks of you. You ARE a singing river, making magic with your words, so you’ve picked the best of all possible names! As you wrap up a season in one business, what joy to have another quest to fill your soul (I know, down where you are, there is no REAL winter season, so you probably go on a bit more than we all do up here!). I will look forward to to reading more developments and send joy and good wishes!

    • Jennifer Richardson on November 2, 2015 at 7:36 am

      (tears) So much thanks, Jeanie:)
      No words. Just big big thanks,
      Jennifer

  13. Wanda on October 28, 2015 at 6:41 am

    Ahh so happy for you Jennifer. Wishing you much success as you follow your heart’s rhythm.

  14. Kathy on October 31, 2015 at 8:48 am

    I’m so excited to see how Singing River unfolds. Thank you for having the courage to share your soul treasures.
    Big blessings, Kathy

    • Jennifer Richardson on November 2, 2015 at 7:37 am

      Thanks for your kindness, Kathy:)
      I appreciate your beautiful, comforting presence,
      Jennifer

  15. Michele Bergh on October 31, 2015 at 9:04 am

    This is so exciting! I can’t wait to learn more!

    • Jennifer Richardson on November 2, 2015 at 7:38 am

      Thanks so much friend:)
      I’m trying to learn to be okay with baby steps:)
      -Jennifer

  16. Sharon leaf on October 31, 2015 at 11:40 am

    Wild thing, you make my heart sing!
    Singing River, of course!

    • Jennifer Richardson on November 2, 2015 at 7:39 am

      Thanks so much, friend:)
      I so appreciate your cheers;)
      -Jennifer

  17. leslie on November 2, 2015 at 7:46 am

    I think “Singing River” is the perfect name for the place you have created. May it flow abundantly and may it bring peace and nourishment to many.

    • Jennifer Richardson on November 2, 2015 at 11:45 am

      Many, many thanks for your kind, generous words
      and the blessing that I feel to the toes of me:)
      -Jennifer

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